AP United States History Period 3 Review

How did British economic and political policies (like the Navigation Acts and Declaratory Act) transform the relationship between Britain and its colonies?

British economic restrictions like the Navigation Acts, Sugar Act (1764), Stamp Act (1765), and Townshend Acts (1767) ended the era of salutary neglect. These acts, along with the Declaratory Act (1766) asserting Parliament’s right to legislate “in all cases whatsoever,” led colonists to reject taxation without representation and view Britain as violating their rights as Englishmen.

To what extent did Enlightenment ideas shape the colonists’ justification for rebellion?

Enlightenment ideas justified colonial rebellion by promoting natural rights (Locke), social contracts (Rousseau), and government by consent, arguing that violating these rights made revolution legitimate.

Ideals of John Locke

17th-century English philosopher who promoted natural rights—life, liberty, and property—and argued that governments exist by the consent of the governed. If a government violates these rights, citizens have the right to rebel. His ideas heavily influenced the Declaration of Independence and American republicanism.

Ideals of Montesquieu

French Enlightenment thinker who advocated separation of powers among legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent tyranny. His work The Spirit of the Laws (1748) influenced the U.S. Constitution’s structure and the system of checks and balances.

Ideals of Rousseau

French philosopher who emphasized the social contract, where government power comes from the general will of the people. Believed in popular sovereignty and that legitimate authority rests with the citizens collectively, shaping ideas behind democracy and equality in the American and French Revolutions.

Was the American Revolution primarily a reaction to economic restrictions or a fight for ideological independence?

While taxes like the Stamp Act and Tea Act caused outrage, the Revolution became ideological—a defense of republicanism, liberty, and self-government. Enlightenment ideals and documents like the Declaration of Independence shifted the focus from taxation to universal rights.

How did Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and other writings redefine “loyalty” and “liberty”?

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense (1776) attacked monarchy as corrupt and urged colonists to embrace independence and popular sovereignty. He redefined loyalty as belonging to the people, not the King, inspiring mass support for independence and influencing the Continental Congress. it also was written to justify colonial independence and questions the crowns loyalty to the people

Could the Revolution have been avoided if Britain had granted the colonies representation in Parliament?

Possibly—virtual representation angered colonists who wanted actual representation. Granting seats in Parliament might have eased tensions, but growing colonial identity, self-rule traditions, and Enlightenment ideals made independence increasingly likely.

What was the most significant factor in the American victory over Britain—military leadership, foreign alliances, or ideology?

George Washington’s leadership, French military and naval aid (thanks to Benjamin Franklin’s diplomacy (or managing international relations)), and ideological unity around liberty and republicanism all contributed. The Battle of Saratoga (1777) was the turning point that convinced France to ally with the U.S.

How did treaties like the Treaty of Paris (1783) and Pinckney’s Treaty reflect U.S. diplomatic priorities after independence?

Treaties like the Treaty of Paris (1783) and Pinckney’s Treaty (1795) reflected U.S. priorities to secure recognized borders, expand trade, and maintain peace with powerful neighbors, showing that diplomacy focused on sovereignty, economic stability, and territorial security.

How did American independence affect international relations and inspire other revolutions?

The Revolution inspired the French Revolution (1789), Haitian Revolution (1791), and Latin American independence movements, spreading republicanism, popular sovereignty, and natural rights worldwide.

Did the American Revolution truly fulfill its promises of liberty and equality?

Partially—while white men gained political rights, women, enslaved people, and Native Americans remained excluded. The Declaration of Independence’s ideals inspired debates over slavery and equality that continued into the 19th century.

What do the successes and failures of the Articles of Confederation reveal about early American fears of centralized authority?

The Articles of Confederation (1781–1789) reflected fear of tyranny after British rule. Congress lacked power to tax, raise armies, or regulate trade. Its failures showed the need for a stronger federal government, leading to the Constitutional Convention (1787).

How did events like Shays’ Rebellion expose deeper issues in post-Revolutionary governance?

Shays’ Rebellion (1786–87)—a farmer uprising led by Daniel Shays in Massachusetts—exposed the weaknesses of the Articles in handling debt and maintaining order. It alarmed elites like George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, spurring calls for a stronger central government.

Was the Northwest Ordinance the most successful example of national unity under the Articles? Why or why not?

Yes, the Northwest Ordinance (1787) was the most successful example of national unity under the Articles of Confederation because it established a clear process for admitting new states, organized western territories, and promoted public education and the prohibition of slavery, showing effective cooperation among the states despite the weaknesses of the national government.

How did experiences under the Articles influence the design of the U.S. Constitution?

Weaknesses under the Articles—such as the lack of executive power and federal authority—led to the Constitution (1787), which created checks and balances, federalism, and the power to tax and regulate commerce.

How did competing interests between large and small states shape the federal government?

The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise), proposed by Roger Sherman, created a bicameral legislature: the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation. This balanced large vs. small state interests.

To what extent were Anti-Federalists justified in fearing the new Constitution?

They feared centralized power would threaten liberty, citing the lack of a Bill of Rights. Patrick Henry and George Mason led the opposition. Their pressure resulted in the Bill of Rights (1791), securing individual freedoms.

How did the Great Compromise and Three-Fifths Compromise reveal limits of Revolutionary ideals?

They exposed contradictions—slavery persisted as southern states demanded power. The Three-Fifths Compromise counted enslaved people for representation, entrenching slavery while the Revolution claimed “all men are created equal.”

Was the Bill of Rights added to protect liberty or to ensure ratification?

Both—it protected rights like speech, religion, and due process while ensuring ratification by calming Anti-Federalist fears. James Madison drafted the amendments.
mostly added to ensure ratification due to high demand by anti-federalists, and it provided crucial protections for civil liberties.

In what ways did the Constitution reflect Enlightenment ideals and pragmatic political compromise?

It embodied Montesquieu’s separation of powers, Locke’s social contract, and checks and balances, while compromising on slavery, representation, and federalism to secure unity.

How did Hamilton’s financial program and Jay’s Treaty deepen divisions in the 1790s?

Alexander Hamilton’s financial plan—national bank, assumption of state debts, excise taxes—favored commerce and industry, angering Thomas Jefferson’s Democratic-Republicans. Jay’s Treaty (1794) with Britain angered France and deepened party divides.

Were the first political parties inevitable, or could unity have persisted under Washington’s leadership?

Inevitable—conflicts over federal power, foreign policy, and constitutional interpretation split Federalists (Hamilton) and Democratic-Republicans (Jefferson), forming the first two-party system.

What did the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions reveal about early interpretations of federal versus state power?

The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions revealed that some states believed they could challenge or nullify federal laws they viewed as unconstitutional, showing early debates over the balance of power between state and federal governments.

How did foreign affairs shape domestic politics during Washington and Adams’ presidencies?

The French Revolution, Jay’s Treaty, and XYZ Affair divided parties: Federalists supported Britain, Democratic-Republicans favored France. Adams’ Alien and Sedition Acts (1798) targeted dissent, fueling the states’ rights debate.

To what extent did Washington’s Farewell Address shape long-term U.S. foreign policy?

In his Farewell Address (1796), George Washington warned against political parties and foreign alliances, promoting neutrality—a key U.S. policy until the 20th century.

Define "Republican Motherhood"

During this era, it had been a woman's job to teach their sons how to be citizens and patriots, even though they themselves we're not considered citizens because they were women.

How did the concept of “Republican Motherhood” redefine women’s roles in the new republic?

It emphasized women’s duty to raise virtuous, informed citizens. Figures like Abigail Adams promoted education and civic virtue, subtly expanding women’s roles in shaping republican society.

To what extent did the Revolution expand equality for groups other than white men?

Limited—some northern states began gradual emancipation, but slavery, patriarchy, and Native displacement persisted. The Revolution’s ideals inspired later reform movements.

How did women like Abigail Adams influence early debates about citizenship and democracy?

Abigail Adams’ “Remember the Ladies” letter urged John Adams to include women’s rights in the new government, sparking early discussion of gender equality and citizenship.

In what ways did post-Revolutionary ideals both challenge and reinforce social hierarchies?

They challenged aristocracy and hereditary privilege, but slavery and patriarchy remained. Equality before the law grew, but not social equality.

How did revolutionary rhetoric evolve from resistance to independence to nation-building?

Colonial protests over taxation evolved into calls for independence and republicanism. After 1783, rhetoric focused on nation-building, civic virtue, and preserving liberty within a stable government.

What contradictions existed between founding ideals of liberty and realities of slavery or limited suffrage?

Founders like Jefferson and Washington spoke of liberty while owning slaves. Property and gender-based suffrage limits contradicted “all men are created equal,” creating tension in early American identity.

How did Americans reconcile Enlightenment ideas of natural rights with the Tenth Amendment’s emphasis on state sovereignty?

They balanced individual liberties with states’ rights, ensuring decentralized power to avoid tyranny while protecting personal freedoms under the Bill of Rights.

In what ways did the Revolution transform what it meant to be an “American”?

It created a distinct identity based on liberty, republicanism, self-government, and equality before the law, setting Americans apart from Europe’s monarchies.

Pickney’s Treaty

1795

Treaty between the U.S. and Spain, negotiated by Thomas Pinckney, granting navigation rights on the Mississippi River, duty-free access to New Orleans, and setting the 31st parallel as the Florida boundary. Strengthened U.S. trade and western expansion during George Washington’s presidency.

Treaty of Paris

1783

Peace treaty that ended the American Revolution. Britain recognized U.S. independence, set borders to the Mississippi River, and granted fishing rights off Newfoundland. Negotiated by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay.

Lexington and Concord

1775

The first battles of the American Revolution, known as the “shot heard ’round the world.” Colonial Minutemen resisted British troops attempting to seize weapons, beginning open conflict between Britain and the colonies.

Battle of Yorktown

1781
The final major battle of the American Revolution. George Washington and French forces under Rochambeau and Admiral de Grasse trapped British General Cornwallis, forcing his surrender and ending the war.

Navigation Acts

1651–1673

Mercantilist trade laws requiring that colonial goods be carried on British ships and pass through British ports. Intended to control colonial trade and benefit England; later enforcement after 1763 angered colonists and fueled revolution.

Sugar Act

1764
British law that placed taxes on imported sugar and molasses to raise revenue after the French and Indian War. It marked the end of salutary neglect and angered colonists who argued “no taxation without representation.”

Declaratory Act

1766
Passed after repeal of the Stamp Act, asserting Parliament’s authority to legislate for the colonies “in all cases whatsoever.” Reinforced Britain’s power over colonial governments, escalating tensions.

George Washington

Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolution and 1st U.S. President (1789–1797). Presided over the Constitutional Convention (1787), promoted neutrality in foreign affairs, and warned against political parties in his Farewell Address.

Benjamin Franklin

Founding Father, diplomat (represents their country's government in a foreign country, travels to other countries), inventor, and writer. Key figure in the Second Continental Congress, helped draft the Declaration of Independence, negotiated the Treaty of Paris (1783), and secured French alliance after Saratoga.

Thomas Jefferson

Author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), advocate of natural rights, Republicanism, and limited government. Served as Secretary of State under Washington and Vice President under Adams; led the Democratic-Republicans against Hamilton’s Federalists.

James Madison

“Father of the Constitution”, co-author of the Federalist Papers, and Bill of Rights drafter. Advocated for a strong but balanced federal government. Later co-wrote the Virginia Resolution (1798) opposing the Alien and Sedition Acts.

John Jay

Diplomat and co-author of The Federalist Papers. Negotiated the Treaty of Paris (1783) and Jay’s Treaty (1794) with Britain to avoid war, securing trade rights but angering France and Democratic-Republicans.

Continental Congress

1774–1789

Served as the governing body of the colonies during the Revolution. The First Continental Congress (1774) organized boycotts; the Second Continental Congress (1775) declared independence and managed the Continental Army under Washington.

Constitutional Convention

1787
Meeting in Philadelphia where delegates, including Madison, Hamilton, and Franklin, drafted the U.S. Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation. Resulted in compromises like the Great Compromise and Three-Fifths Compromise.

Articles of Confederation

1781–1789

The first U.S. government, creating a weak central authority with no power to tax or regulate trade. Its failures, exposed by Shays’ Rebellion (1786), led to the drafting of the Constitution.

Northwest Ordinance

1787
Law under the Articles of Confederation establishing a system for admitting new states from the Northwest Territory. Banned slavery there and guaranteed religious freedom and trial by jury—a major success of the Articles.

Patrick Henry

Anti-Federalist leader and fiery orator known for “Give me liberty or give me death!” Opposed ratification of the Constitution, fearing a powerful central government would threaten individual and state rights.

George Mason

Virginia delegate and Anti-Federalist who refused to sign the Constitution without a Bill of Rights. His ideas influenced the Bill of Rights (1791) authored by James Madison.

Hamilton’s Financial Program

Alexander Hamilton’s plan to stabilize U.S. finances: assume state debts, create a national bank, and impose excise taxes and tariffs. Strengthened the federal government but angered Jefferson and Madison, leading to the two-party system.

Jay’s Treaty

1794

Negotiated by John Jay with Britain to avoid war. Britain agreed to withdraw forts in the Northwest and improve trade relations, but didn’t stop impressment of American sailors. Deepened divisions between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

Virginia Resolution

1798
Written by James Madison in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts, asserting that states could declare federal laws unconstitutional—an early defense of states’ rights and nullification.

Kentucky Resolution

1798

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson alongside Madison’s Virginia Resolution. Declared that states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws, challenging federal supremacy and defending states’ sovereignty.

French Revolution and George Washington’s Involvement

The French Revolution divided U.S. politics: Jefferson’s Republicans supported France, Hamilton’s Federalists sided with Britain. Washington’s Proclamation of Neutrality (1793) kept the U.S. out of European wars, shaping foreign policy for decades.

XYZ Affair

1797-1798
Diplomatic incident under John Adams where French agents (“X, Y, Z”) demanded bribes to negotiate peace over Jay’s Treaty. Sparked anti-French sentiment, led to the Quasi-War (1798–1800), and strengthened Federalist influence.

Alien and Sedition Acts

1798
Passed under Adams during tension with France. The Alien Acts extended residency for citizenship and allowed deportation of foreigners; the Sedition Act criminalized criticism of the government. Seen as violations of the First Amendment, prompting the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions.