U.S. History Second Semester Review

Flashcards for Exam Review

What were the economic consequences of the French and Indian War for Britain?

Nearly doubled Britain’s national debt, leading them to tax the colonies.

What were Thomas Jefferson's feelings about Britain?

He distrusted them and felt the colonies needed to be self-governed.

What is 'Taxation without Representation?'

Britain taxing the colonies without them having any say or representation in the British government.

How did the relationship between citizens and their government change?

It became increasingly strained due to British policies that caused resentment among colonists.

What was the Albany Plan of Union?

A proposal by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 to unite the thirteen British North American colonies under a single government.

What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga?

It was a decisive victory for the colonists that boosted morale and secured foreign support.

What impact did France have on the Revolution?

France provided essential military, financial, and diplomatic support that helped the Americans win the Revolutionary War.

When was the Constitution drafted, ratified, and put into operation?

Drafted in 1787, ratified in 1788, and put into operation in 1789.

What are the three branches of government and what do they do?

Legislative (makes laws), Executive (enforces laws), and Judicial (interprets laws).

What is Federalism?

The belief that the federal government should have more power than the people or states.

What did the Federalists believe?

Supported a strong national government and a balance of power among the three branches.

What did the Anti-Federalists believe?

Preferred a weaker federal government, greater state autonomy, and demanded a Bill of Rights.

What is a strict constructionist view on the Constitution?

Narrow interpretation (very literal), focus on states’ rights and limiting the federal government.

What is the compromise over representation in Congress?

Creation of a bicameral legislature including both the House of Representatives (based on population) and the Senate (two per state).

What is the meaning of 'We the People?'

The Constitution was created by the people and that no one person has more power than another.

What was Shays' Rebellion?

An insurrection in Massachusetts in 1786 and 1787 resulting from a debt crisis after the American Revolutionary War.

What is the system of checks and balances?

A system that helps prevent one branch of government from becoming too powerful compared to the others.

What is John Locke's theory of social contract?

Governments are formed through the consent of individuals, protecting their natural rights to life, liberty, and property.

What was the 3/5ths Compromise?

Each slave would count as 3/5ths of a person when counting population for representation.

What were the Federalist Papers?

A collection of 85 articles and essays that defended the ratification of the Constitution.

What does it mean that the U.S. is a republic?

The people elect representatives to govern on their behalf.

What were John Adams' beliefs regarding the rights of the accused?

Everyone accused of a crime has a right to counsel and a fair trial.

Where are personal liberties located?

In the Bill of Rights.

What was the ruling in Tinker v. Des Moines?

The Court ruled in favor of the students, affirming that freedom of speech does not vanish upon entering school.

What was the ruling in New Jersey v. T.L.O.?

The Court ruled in favor of New Jersey, stating that school officials can conduct reasonable searches on students.

What did the Democratic-Republicans believe?

Wanted strong state governments, were sympathetic to France, and opposed a national bank.

What did the Federalists believe?

Wanted a strong central government, were sympathetic to England, and favored a national bank.

What was the ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland?

The Supreme Court affirmed that Congress was permitted to create a national bank, interpreting the Constitution’s “necessary and proper clause.”

What was the ruling in Marbury v. Madison?

The Supreme Court established the principle of judicial review.

What did the Judiciary Act of 1789 do?

Established the federal court system and defined the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts.

What advice did Washington give in his farewell address?

Advised against permanent alliances with foreign nations and political factions.

What was the Whiskey Rebellion?

A violent protest over the Whiskey Tax.

What does is mean for something to be 'unconstitutional?'

It is not permitted by the Constitution.

What were the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions?

Asserted that states had the right to nullify federal laws they deem unconstitutional.

What did the Adams-Onis Treaty do?

Resolved disputes between Spain and the U.S. in the Louisiana Purchase and other territories.

What was the court's ruling in Gibbons v. Ogden?

Determined that the Federal government only has the power to regulate interstate commerce.

What was the Indian Removal Act of 1830?

Forced the displacement of American Indians from their ancestral lands.

What was the Nullification Crisis?

When South Carolina tried to deem federal tariffs null and void.

What is Manifest Destiny?

The belief that it was the U.S.’s destiny to expand to the Pacific Coast of North America.

What was the court's ruling in Worcester v. Georgia?

The Court ruled that the Cherokee Nation “was a distinct political society, capable of managing its on affairs.”

What did the Whig Party support?

Supported tariffs and disliked the Mexican-American War.

What did the Democratic Party support?

Supported war and westward expansion, but disapproved of tariffs.

What was the impact of the cotton gin on slavery?

Increased demand for enslaved labor.

What were Slave Codes?

Slave laws that tried to make slavery permanent and restricted the rights of enslaved peoples.

What is Abolitionism?

Principles or measures promoting the abolition, especially of slavery.

What was the Underground Railroad?

A network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves and conductors to escape slavery.

What was the impact of the Second Great Awakening?

A religious movement that led to the reform of many things including, prisons, treatment of the disabled, and education.

What was the Women's Rights Movement?

An effort for equal rights and opportunities for women.

What was the Temperance Movement?

A movement against the abuse of alcohol.