Unit 2 U.S. History Honors

Shays’ Rebellion

A farmer-led uprising in Massachusetts that showed the weakness of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger national government.

Constitutional Convention

A 1787 meeting in Philadelphia where delegates created the U.S. Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation.

Protections against too much democracy

The Founders added systems like the Electoral College and the Senate to limit direct control by the people.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual freedoms from government power.

Federalist Papers

Essays written by Hamilton

Hamilton/banking

Alexander Hamilton created a national bank to stabilize the economy and strengthen federal authority.

Washington presidency

George Washington set key precedents

Whiskey Rebellion

A tax protest in Pennsylvania that Washington crushed

Adams presidency

John Adams faced growing political divisions and tensions with France during his time in office.

XYZ Affair

A scandal where French officials demanded bribes from U.S. diplomats

Quasi War

An undeclared naval conflict between the U.S. and France in the late 1790s.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed under Adams that limited free speech and targeted immigrants critical of the government.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

State resolutions arguing that states could ignore federal laws they believed were unconstitutional.

Marbury vs. Madison

The 1803 Supreme Court case that established judicial review

Judicial Review

The Supreme Court’s authority to decide whether laws violate the Constitution

Thomas Jefferson

The third president who promoted limited government and expanded U.S. territory with the Louisiana Purchase.

Embargo of 1807

Jefferson’s ban on foreign trade meant to protect U.S. ships

Louisiana Purchase

Jefferson’s 1803 deal with France that doubled the size of the U.S. for $15 million.

War of 1812 causes and events

Caused by British impressment of sailors and trade restrictions

Treaty of Ghent

The 1814 agreement that ended the War of 1812 and restored relations between the U.S. and Britain.

Hartford Convention

A meeting of New England Federalists who opposed the War of 1812 and discussed limiting federal power.

Monroe Doctrine

A U.S. policy warning Europe not to interfere in the Americas or try to colonize newly independent nations.Missouri Compromise