HONS. U.S. HISTORY UNIT THREE VOCABULARY 3/5th Compromise: The decision at the Constitutional Convention on how to count slaves for the purpose of dec

3/5th Compromise

Decision at the Constitutional Convention on how to count slaves for population and congressional representation.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Four Acts allowing the president to expel or imprison enemies and restricting speech against the government.

American Independence / Revolution

Conflict between Great Britain's 13 colonies and the colonial government leading to the establishment of the United States.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the new federal Constitution fearing a powerful national government and lacking a bill of rights.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. constitution granting supreme power to states and lacking authority for taxation.

Bank of the United States

Central bank aimed at stabilizing the economy and improving financial management, causing controversy.

Benjamin Franklin

Key figure in the American Revolution, negotiated French support, signed the Treaty of Paris, and helped draft the Constitution.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution listing individual rights and liberties.

Coercive Acts

Laws passed to punish Massachusetts after the Boston Tea Party as a warning to other colonies.

Continental Army

Military force commanded by George Washington during the Revolutionary War.

Continental Congress

Assembly of colonies in 1774 to address threats to rights and liberties, without discussing secession.

Declaration of Independence

Document approved on July 4, 1776, formalizing separation from Britain and outlining Enlightenment values.

Democratic-Republican Party

Political party led by Thomas Jefferson advocating for state power, agriculture, and strict constitutional interpretation.

Enlightenment

Intellectual movement influencing natural rights concepts in the American and French Revolutions.

Federalist Papers

Collection of 85 essays promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Federalists

Political party advocating for a strong national government and economic growth, favoring relations with Great Britain.

French Revolution

Rebellion in France that George Washington sought to avoid involving the U.S. in, leading to the Neutrality Proclamation.

George Washington

Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, President of the Constitutional Convention, and first U.S. President.

George Washington’s Farewell Address

Advice against permanent alliances and emphasized American independence in foreign affairs.

Great Compromise

Constitutional Convention agreement for equal Senate representation and population-based House representation.

Hamilton’s Financial Plan

Strategy to stabilize the economy through federal debt assumption and the establishment of a U.S. bank.

Jay’s Treaty

Agreement to prevent war, removing British control of western posts and addressing ship seizure damages.

John Adams

Massachusetts attorney and second U.S. President, strong advocate for colonial independence.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Legislation organizing the Supreme Court and establishing the judiciary branch of the U.S. government.

Land Ordinance of 1785

Law providing for the orderly surveying and distribution of U.S. land.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Established federal sovereignty in westward expansion and prohibited slavery in new territories.

Proclamation of Neutrality

Washington's declaration of U.S. neutrality in the conflict between France and Great Britain.

Republican Motherhood

Ideology promoting the education of women to instill republican values in future generations.

Second Continental Congress

Managed the war effort and adopted the Declaration of Independence, acting as a national government.

Seven Years’ War (French-Indian War)

Conflict between Britain and France ending in British victory and significant debt.

Shays’ Rebellion

Protests by farmers against tax enforcement, highlighting weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

Stamp Act Congress

First gathering of colonial representatives to protest British taxation.

Stamp Act

Legislation requiring stamped paper for tax certification to raise revenue for military support.

Sugar Act

First law raising tax revenues in the colonies by increasing duties on foreign sugar.

Thomas Jefferson

Author of the Declaration of Independence and leader of the Democratic-Republicans opposing Hamilton.

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

Pamphlet urging Americans to oppose British rule and establish a new government based on Enlightenment ideals.

Treaty of Paris 1783

Agreement ending the Revolutionary War and recognizing American independence.

Whiskey Rebellion

Farmers' revolt against an excise tax on whiskey, demonstrating the government's ability to respond effectively.

XYZ Affair

Diplomatic incident leading to the Quasi-War between the U.S. and France during John Adams' presidency.