Untitled Flashcards Set

What is Mercantilism?

An economic theory emphasizing wealth accumulation, particularly gold and silver, through a favorable balance of trade and government control.

How did Mercantilism affect relations between the American colonies and the British?

It restricted colonial trade to benefit Britain, making the colonies feel exploited and contributing to revolutionary sentiment.

What was the Seven Years' War primarily fought between?

Great Britain and France, with various European powers involved.

Why is the Seven Years' War considered a major cause of the American Revolution?

It left Britain with significant debt, leading to increased taxation on the colonies and greater control over colonial affairs.

What does 'salutary neglect' refer to?

The British policy of loosely enforcing regulations in the American colonies, allowing them self-governance.

How long did the period of 'Salutary Neglect' last?

From the early 1700s until the 1760s.

What did the period of Salutary Neglect foster in the colonies?

A sense of self-governance.

What were key events in the 1760s that affected American heritage?

The Stamp Act (1765), Townshend Acts (1767), Boston Massacre (1770), Boston Tea Party (1773).

What were the important events in the 1770s leading up to the Revolution?

The Intolerable Acts (1774), First Continental Congress (1774), battles of Lexington and Concord (1775).

When did the First Continental Congress assemble and what was its purpose?

It met in 1774 to address grievances and protest the Intolerable Acts.

When did the Second Continental Congress assemble and what was its purpose?

It met in 1775 to govern during the war and eventually declare independence.

Who was Thomas Paine and why did he become famous?

An English-born political writer known for his pamphlet, Common Sense, which argued for American independence.

What is a Loyalist?

An American colonist who remained loyal to Britain.

What is a Patriot?

A colonist who supported independence from Britain.

What was the purpose of Thomas Paines “Common Sense”?

To convince colonists to reject monarchy and call for independence from Britain.

Why was “Common Sense” so successful in convincing the colonist to join the rebellion?

It used clear, accessible language to make a strong, emotional argument for independence.

What does Jefferson mean by 'the tree of liberty must be refreshed, now and then, with the blood of patriots and tyrants'?

Rebellion is sometimes necessary to protect freedom.

Why were Abigail Adams and some nationalists critical of Shays' Rebellion?

They feared it showed weakness in the Articles of Confederation and could inspire chaos.

What are strengths of the Articles of Confederation?

Successfully united the states and won the American Revolution.

What are weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

No power to tax, no executive branch, no national court system.

What is a Confederation?

A loose alliance of states with a weak central government.

Why was the Confederation Congress 'weak by design'?

To prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, reflecting fear of centralized authority.

Why is the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 important?

It established a process for admitting new states and prohibited slavery in new territories.

Who was Shays and what did he do?

A former Revolutionary War soldier who led a rebellion against tax and debt policies in Massachusetts.

How did Shays' Rebellion influence the framers of the U.S. Constitution?

It highlighted the need for a stronger central government.

Why is the period between 1783 and 1787 called the 'Critical Period'?

It revealed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Who were the Anti-Federalists?

Opponents of the U.S. Constitution, fearing a strong central government.

Who was Mercy Otis Warren?

An influential writer and political thinker who supported independence and criticized the Constitution.

What is Republicanism?

A political ideology advocating for a government where power resides in elected representatives.

The U.S. constitution is the longest functioning what in the world

Written constitution

Why did the framers meet in secret?

To avoid outside pressure and allow open debate.

Who is considered the most active framer of the Constitution?

James Madison.

What did Federalists believe in?

A strong, centralized national government.

What is Separation of Powers?

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent concentration of power.

What is Popular Sovereignty?

The principle that government authority comes from the consent of the governed.

What is Federalism?

The division of power between a national government and state governments.

What are 'Concurrent Powers'?

Powers shared by both the national and state governments.

What is Judicial Review?

The power of courts to determine the constitutionality of laws and government actions.

What did Schenck v. United States (1919) establish?

The 'clear and present danger' test for limiting speech.

What are the three 'prongs' of Mill’s Trident test?

Harm to Others, Preventing Harm to Others, Minimum Intrusion.

What did Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969) rule?

Speech can be restricted only if it incites imminent lawless action.

What are the major exceptions to free speech?

Imminent lawless action, being against the law, and under the Brandenburg test.