Principles of American Democracy Study Guide Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards generated from the Principles of American Democracy study guide covering Colonial America, the Revolutionary War, the American Republic, and the Early Republic.

Jamestown

The first permanent English settlement in North America, studied for its reasons for settling and whether the colonists accomplished their goals.

Massachusetts Bay colony

A New England colony established by Puritans and Pilgrims seeking religious freedom and community.

John Winthrop’s “city upon a hill” speech

A foundational sermon outlining the purpose, message, and impact of creating a model Christian community in the Massachusetts Bay colony.

Dissenters

Colonial figures such as Thomas Hooker, Anne Hutchinson, and Roger Williams who challenged dominant religious and political norms, impacting religious freedom and government structure.

French and Indian War

A major conflict that created financial debt and territorial changes, leading directly to increased tensions between the American colonists and the British King.

Proclamation line of 1763

A royal directive prohibiting colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, creating significant tension between colonists and King George.

Stamp Act

A direct tax imposed on colonial paper goods by Parliament, serving as a primary cause of pre-revolutionary political unrest.

Intolerable Acts

Punitive legislation enacted by Britain to punish Massachusetts following early disputes, escalating conflict prior to the Revolution.

Authors of change

Key influential political and military leaders during the revolutionary era, including Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, and General George Washington.

Early disputes

Pre-revolutionary colonial direct actions and clashes with British forces, including the Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, and Lexington & Concord.

The Declaration of Independence

The 1776 document defining colonial grievances against King George, key revolutionary philosophy, and the formal separation from Great Britain.

Yorktown

The final major military battle of the Revolutionary War, leading to the British surrender.

Paris Peace Conference

The diplomatic negotiations that formally concluded the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.

The Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which created a weak central framework and faced operating challenges.

The Constitutional Convention

The 1787 assembly that replaced the Articles of Confederation with a new structure based on separation of powers and checks and balances.

The Great Compromise

An agreement reached at the Constitutional Convention establishing a bicameral legislature with two distinct chambers.

3/5ths compromise

A agreement at the Constitutional Convention determining that three-fifths of the enslaved population would count for representation and taxation purposes.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments added to the U.S. Constitution to guarantee individual liberties and state protections.

Federalism vs. Anti-Federalism

The foundational political debate over central governmental authority versus states' rights, notably represented by political leaders like Madison and Jefferson.

Whiskey Rebellion

A tax protest during George Washington's administration that demonstrated the enforcement strength of the new federal government.

Washington’s “Farewell Address”

George Washington's final message to the country outlining key ideas, political advice, and warnings regarding national unity.

The Election of 1800

A critical presidential race between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson that resulted in a peaceful transition of power.

Jefferson’s Inaugural Address

Thomas Jefferson's presidential speech setting forth his key ideas, unifying message, and political philosophy upon entering office.

Marbury vs Madison

A milestone Supreme Court case during the Early Republic that established the precedent of judicial review.

Louisiana Purchase

The major 1803 territorial expansion overseen by Thomas Jefferson that doubled the geographical size of the United States.

Jeffersonian Ideal

Thomas Jefferson's vision for the Early Republic emphasizing an agrarian society, limited federal power, and democratic governance.