Social Studies Final Flashcards

Made by mason houle

What are the 3 branches of government?

The three branches of government are the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.

What is a separation of powers?

The separation of powers is the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

What are checks and balances?

Checks and balances is a system that ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with the authority to limit the powers of the others.

What does it mean to veto?

To veto means to reject a proposal or decision, particularly by a legislative body.

Who has the power to veto?

The President has the power to veto legislation passed by Congress.

What can the Executive branch do?

The Executive branch can enforce laws, conduct foreign affairs, and command the military.

What powers does the Executive branch hold/check?

The Executive branch holds the power to veto laws, appoint federal officials, and issue executive orders.

What can the Judicial branch do?

The Judicial branch can interpret laws, review lower court decisions, and ensure laws comply with the Constitution.

What powers does the Judicial branch hold/check?

The Judicial branch can rule laws or executive actions unconstitutional and settle disputes.

What can the Legislative branch do?

The Legislative branch can create laws, approve budgets, and declare war.

What powers does the Legislative branch hold/check?

The Legislative branch holds the power to override vetoes, confirm presidential appointments, and impeach officials.

Are federal judges under executive control?

No, federal judges are not under executive control; they serve independently.

Who can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional?

The Judicial branch, specifically the Supreme Court, can declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.

What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?

The Bill of Rights protects individual liberties and limits government power.

What rights are protected under the First Amendment?

The First Amendment protects the rights to freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Can the government limit individuals’ rights?

Yes, the government can limit individuals’ rights in specific circumstances, such as public safety.

When the state and federal laws say different things, which law wins out?

Federal law wins out due to the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution.

What rights are protected under the 4th Amendment?

The 4th Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

What rights are protected under the 5th Amendment?

The 5th Amendment protects against self-incrimination and ensures due process.

What did Alexander Hamilton want to establish at the national level?

Alexander Hamilton wanted to establish a strong national bank.

What did Hamilton believe the U.S. should do about our war debts?

Hamilton believed the U.S. should assume state debts to establish credit.

Who was the 1st President?

The 1st President was George Washington.

How many terms did he serve?

He served two terms.

Who was the 2nd President?

The 2nd President was John Adams.

What was the XYZ affair?

The XYZ affair was a diplomatic incident between France and the U.S. that led to an undeclared war.

Explain the Alien and Sedition Acts.

The Alien and Sedition Acts were laws that allowed the deportation of foreigners and made it illegal to criticize the government.

What are political parties?

Political parties are organized groups that seek to gain political power by electing their members to office.

Did Washington support political parties? Why or why not?

No, Washington did not support political parties because he believed they would divide the nation.

What was the Whiskey Rebellion?

The Whiskey Rebellion was a protest against the federal excise tax on whiskey.

What was the outcome of the Whiskey Rebellion?

The outcome was a demonstration of federal authority when Washington sent troops to quell the rebellion.

Explain Jay’s Treaty.

Jay’s Treaty resolved some issues between the U.S. and Great Britain, but it was controversial and led to public outcry.

What was the difference between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans?

Federalists favored a strong central government, while Democratic-Republicans favored states' rights.

Name 3 political leaders who were Federalists from this time period.

Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and John Jay.

Name 3 political leaders who were Democratic-Republicans.

Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Aaron Burr.

Which President facilitated the Louisiana Purchase?

Thomas Jefferson facilitated the Louisiana Purchase.

How much did the Louisiana Purchase cost?

The Louisiana Purchase cost approximately $15 million.

Who did the President send to explore the Louisiana Territory?

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were sent to explore the Louisiana Territory.

What was their main objective?

Their main objective was to explore the newly acquired territory and find a route to the Pacific Ocean.

Who helped guide the explorers and communicate with local tribes?

Sacagawea helped guide the explorers and communicate with local tribes.

What countries were involved in the War of 1812?

The War of 1812 involved the United States and Great Britain.

Who was Tecumseh?

Tecumseh was a Shawnee leader who sought to unite Native American tribes against American expansion.

What side did he fight for?

Tecumseh fought for the British in the War of 1812.

What happened after the Battle of Tippecanoe?

After the Battle of Tippecanoe, tensions increased between Native Americans and American settlers.

Who led the Battle of Lake Erie?

Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry led the Battle of Lake Erie.

Who led the Battle of New Orleans?

General Andrew Jackson led the Battle of New Orleans.

How did the War of 1812 end?

The War of 1812 ended with the Treaty of Ghent, which restored pre-war boundaries.

What was the Monroe Doctrine?

The Monroe Doctrine was a policy that opposed European colonization in the Americas.

What was the Missouri Compromise?

The Missouri Compromise was an agreement that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state.

What is nationalism?

Nationalism is a patriotic feeling, principles, or efforts that emphasize a strong national identity.

What was 'Manifest Destiny'?

Manifest Destiny was the belief that the expansion of the U.S. across the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

Under Jackson, what Act of Congress forced Native Americans to relocate?

The Indian Removal Act forced Native Americans to relocate.

Where were most Native Americans relocated during the Trail of Tears?

Most Native Americans were relocated to present-day Oklahoma.

What countries held claim to the Oregon Territory?

The U.S., Britain, Spain, and Russia held claim to the Oregon Territory.

How did Texas become a state?

Texas became a state after winning independence from Mexico and later being annexed by the U.S.

What were the two sides of the Civil War and what were they called?

The two sides were the Union (North) and the Confederacy (South).

What was the North’s goal in the war?

The North's goal was to preserve the Union.

What was the South’s goal in the war?

The South's goal was to gain independence and maintain their way of life.

What is a border state and why are they important?

Border states are slave states that did not secede; they were important for their strategic location.

The South believed who would help them? Why?

The South believed European countries would help them due to their dependence on cotton.

Who were the leaders in the North and South?

Abraham Lincoln was the leader in the North, and Jefferson Davis was the leader in the South.

When and where did the Civil War start?

The Civil War started on April 12, 1861, at Fort Sumter in South Carolina.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Shiloh?

The outcome of the Battle of Shiloh was a Union victory but with heavy casualties on both sides.

What was Sherman’s March?

Sherman's March was a military campaign that aimed to destroy the South's economic resources.

What happened at the Battle of Bull Run?

The Battle of Bull Run was a Confederate victory that shocked the Union and dispelled any illusions of a quick war.

Which side suffered the most casualties and destruction?

The South suffered the most casualties and destruction during the Civil War.

What is the significance of Gettysburg?

Gettysburg is significant as it marked a turning point in the Civil War in favor of the Union.

When, Where, and how did the Civil War end?

The Civil War ended on April 9, 1865, at Appomattox Court House when Lee surrendered to Grant.

What is the Anaconda Plan?

The Anaconda Plan was a Union strategy to defeat the Confederacy by blockading southern ports and controlling the Mississippi River.

What is the Emancipation Proclamation?

The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order by Lincoln that freed enslaved people in the Confederate states.