US History: Civil War, Constitution, and Expansion Key Concepts
Kansas-Nebraska Act
The Kansas-Nebraska Act allowed the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide the issue of slavery through popular sovereignty, meaning the settlers would vote on whether to allow slavery.
This act effectively repealed the Missouri Compromise, which had previously prohibited slavery in those territories, leading to increased tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.
The act resulted in violent conflicts known as 'Bleeding Kansas' as both sides rushed to settle in the territories to influence the vote.
Key Legislative Acts and Court Cases
It highlighted the failure of popular sovereignty as a solution to the slavery issue, leading to further polarization in the nation.
Dred Scott v. Sanford
The Supreme Court ruled that Dred Scott, an enslaved African American, was not a U.S. citizen and therefore had no right to sue in federal court.
The ruling stated that Congress could not prohibit slavery in the territories, effectively nullifying the Missouri Compromise.
This decision intensified the national debate over slavery and was a significant factor leading to the Civil War.
The case underscored the legal and social status of African Americans in the U.S. and the limitations of their rights.
Marbury v. Madison
This landmark case established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.
It arose from a political conflict between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans, highlighting the tensions of the early republic.
The decision reinforced the judiciary's role as a co-equal branch of government, ensuring checks and balances among the branches.
It set a precedent for the Supreme Court's authority in interpreting the Constitution.
Causes and Effects of the Civil War
Causes of the Civil War
The issue of slavery was central, with the Southern states advocating for its continuation and the Northern states pushing for abolition.
The debate over states' rights versus federal authority created significant conflict, particularly regarding the enforcement of federal laws on slavery.
The expansion of slavery into new territories and states heightened tensions, as seen in the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
The election of 1860, which resulted in Abraham Lincoln's presidency, was perceived as a threat to the institution of slavery, prompting Southern states to secede.
Effects of the Civil War
The 13th Amendment was ratified, abolishing slavery throughout the United States.
The Reconstruction Era followed, aiming to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society as citizens with rights.
The war preserved the Union, preventing the permanent separation of the United States into North and South.
The conflict led to significant social, economic, and political changes, including the rise of civil rights movements.
Foundational Documents and Philosophies
The Mayflower Compact
The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of Plymouth Colony, created by the Pilgrims in 1620.
It established a form of self-government based on majority rule, emphasizing the importance of consent in governance.
This document laid the groundwork for future democratic principles in America, highlighting the role of the people in government.
Common Sense
Written by Thomas Paine in 1776, 'Common Sense' argued for American independence from British rule.
Paine's pamphlet was influential in swaying public opinion towards the revolutionary cause, emphasizing the need for self-governance.
It presented Enlightenment ideas in a way that was accessible to the general public, advocating for a republic over monarchy.
Enlightenment Thinkers
John Locke's ideas on natural rights and the social contract influenced American political thought, emphasizing individual liberty and government accountability.
Jean Jacques Rousseau's concept of the social contract highlighted the importance of collective decision-making and the general will.
Montesquieu's advocacy for the separation of powers laid the foundation for the structure of the U.S. government, ensuring no single branch would become too powerful.
Constitutional Framework and Early Government
The Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation established the first national government of the United States but had significant weaknesses.
Congress lacked the power to collect taxes, leading to financial instability and inability to fund a national army.
There was no executive branch to enforce laws, resulting in a weak central government.
Each state operated independently with its own currency and military, creating disunity and inefficiency.
The Great Compromise
The Great Compromise was reached during the Constitutional Convention, balancing the needs of both large and small states.
It established a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
This compromise was crucial in ensuring the ratification of the Constitution, as it addressed concerns over representation.
Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers, written by Hamilton and Madison, argued in favor of the Constitution, promoting a strong central government.
The Anti-Federalist Papers expressed concerns about the potential for government overreach and the loss of individual liberties.
The debates between these two groups shaped the political landscape of the early United States and influenced the Bill of Rights.
Key Terms/Concepts
Kansas-Nebraska Act: Legislation that allowed states to determine the legality of slavery through popular sovereignty.
Dred Scott v. Sanford: A landmark Supreme Court case ruling that enslaved and formerly enslaved African Americans were not U.S. citizens and could not sue in court.
Mayflower Compact: The first governing document of Plymouth Colony, establishing a form of self-government.
Common Sense: A pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating for American independence from Great Britain.
Elastic Clause: A clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution that grants Congress the power to pass laws deemed
Key People
Thomas Paine: Author of 'Common Sense,' which argued for independence from Britain.
John Locke: Enlightenment thinker known for his ideas on natural rights and the social contract.
Jean Jacques Rousseau: Philosopher who contributed to the concept of the social contract.
Montesquieu: Proposed the separation of powers into three branches of government.
Key Events
Civil War: A conflict primarily over slavery and states' rights, leading to significant changes in U.S. law and society.
Shay's Rebellion: An armed uprising that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and led to calls for a stronger central government.
Trail of Tears: The forced relocation of Native Americans under the Indian Removal Act, resulting in significant suffering and death.
Fundamental Theories
Theory/Model | Description |
|---|---|
Social Contract | The theory that individuals consent to form a government to protect their rights and welfare. |
Federalism | A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent units. |
Judicial Review | The power of the courts to declare laws and actions of the government unconstitutional. |
Key Legislation
Indian Removal Act: Signed by Andrew Jackson, allowing the government to relocate Native Americans west of the Mississippi River.
Missouri Compromise: An agreement in 1820 that maintained the balance between slave and free states by admitting Missouri as a slave state.
Facts to Memorize
13th Amendment: Abolished slavery in the United States.
Mayflower Compact: The first governing document of Plymouth Colony.
Federalist Papers: Essays supporting the Constitution, primarily authored by Hamilton and Madison.
Anti-Federalist Papers: Essays opposing the Constitution, expressing concerns over a strong central government.
Marbury v. Madison: Established the principle of judicial review in the U.S.
Cause and Effect
Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
Slavery | Led to the Civil War and the 13th Amendment. |
State rights vs. Federal | Increased tensions leading to the Civil War. |
Expansion of slavery | Contributed to sectional conflicts and the Civil War. |
Election of 1860 | Triggered Southern states to secede from the Union. |
Shay's Rebellion | Resulted in the Constitutional Convention to strengthen the central government. |
Indian Removal Act | Led to the Trail of Tears, displacing Native Americans. |
Missouri Compromise | Maintained the balance between slave and free states. |
Concept Comparisons
Concept | Description | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists | Federalists supported a strong central government; Anti-Federalists opposed it. | Federalists favored the Constitution; Anti-Federalists feared it would lead to tyranny. |
NJ Plan vs. Great Compromise | NJ Plan called for equal representation for states; Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature. | NJ Plan favored small states; Great Compromise balanced interests of both large and small states. |
What is the Kansas-Nebraska Act?
The States determine slavery through popular sovereignty.
What was the outcome of Dred Scott v. Sanford?
Enslaved and formerly enslaved African Americans were not U.S. citizens, had no right to sue in court, and the government could not prohibit slavery in the U.S.
What were the causes of the Civil War?
Slavery, state rights vs. federal authority, expansion of slavery, and the election of 1860.
What were the effects of the Civil War?
The 13th Amendment was created to end slavery, the Reconstruction era began, and all U.S. states remained united.
What is the Mayflower Compact?
The first form of government in the American colonies.
What is Common Sense?
A pamphlet by Thomas Paine that argued for American independence from Great Britain.
Who were the Enlightenment thinkers and what were their ideas?
John Locke - natural rights and the social contract; Jean Jacques Rousseau - social contract; Montesquieu - the three branches of government.
What is the Proclamation of 1763?
Banned American colonists from selling land west of the Appalachian Mountains.
What are the Townshend Acts?
A series of British laws that placed new taxes on imported goods like glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea sold to American colonists.
What is the Elastic Clause?
In Article I Section 8, clause 18 of the Constitution, it gives Congress the power to pass laws that are 'necessary and proper'.
What is the NJ Plan?
Each state gets equal representation in Congress with one vote per state, designed to protect small states from being overpowered.
What is the Great Compromise?
An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that settled the issue of representation in Congress for large and small states.
What are the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Congress could not collect taxes, there was no national army, no national executive branch, and a weak central government.
What did Shay's Rebellion lead to?
It led to the Constitutional Convention and a call for a stronger central government.
What are the Federalist Papers?
Essays supporting the Constitution written by Hamilton and Madison.
What are the Anti-Federalist Papers?
Essays opposing the Constitution, fearing a too powerful central government and advocating for stronger state powers.
What part of the Constitution are the banks a part of?
Article 1 of the Constitution, which includes the power to coin money and manage financial systems.
What did Washington warn against in his Farewell Address?
Divisions like political parties, foreign involvement, and sectionalism.
What is Marbury v. Madison?
A U.S. court case that established judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare acts from Congress unconstitutional.
Why did Jefferson believe in a strict interpretation of the Constitution?
He wanted to limit federal power and protect states' rights to prevent the government from having too much power.
What were the results of the Louisiana Territory purchase?
The size of the U.S. doubled, control of the Mississippi River was gained, the economy was strengthened, and westward expansion was encouraged.
What is the Indian Removal Act?
Signed by Andrew Jackson, it allowed the government to move Native Americans west of the Mississippi River, resulting in the Trail of Tears.
Who was President during the Trail of Tears?
Andrew Jackson.
What was the Missouri Compromise?
An agreement in 1820 that maintained a balance between slave states and free states by allowing Missouri to enter as a slave state.