America's Independence
What was the slogan used by the American Colonists to protest the unfair British taxes?
No Taxation Without Representation!
In 1787, the Constitutional Convention wrote a new document that would build a strong government. What was this document called?
The Constitution
Who was America's first President?
George Washington
What is "Manifest Destiny"?
God given right to expand America and take (steal) land away from Native Americans
What is suffrage?
The right to vote
Why did the British decide to raise the taxes on the American colonists?
What was the Great Compromise?
Agreement between two sides that would great a 2 house Congress (House of Representatives and the Senate)
What was George Washington's stance on foreign policy?
Stay out of it! Concentrate on our own issues
(Isolationism)
In what direction did America expand?
Towards the West
What was the major disagreement that lead to The Civil War?
South seceded from the North for fear of slavery being abolished
Common Sense was a pamphlet that urged colonists to break ties and revolt against Britain. Who wrote "Common Sense"?
Thomas Paine
What are 3 main ideas of the Constitution that prevent the government from becoming too powerful?
(200 points for each)
- Separation of Powers
- Checks and Balances
- "Elastic Clause" (power to amend the Constitution when deemed necessary)
- Federalism (power is shared between the state and federal governments)
What was the main topic and result of the argument between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton?
Topic: National Bank
Result: Hamilton Won; National Bank was created
In 1803, Thomas Jefferson bought a HUGE amount of land from France. What was this referred to?
Louisiana Purchase
What was the purpose of the "Reconstruction Amendments" (13th, 14th, 15th)?
To protect the rights of African Americans
"All Men Are Created Equal" is from the Declaration of Independence. What are the NATURAL RIGHTS that all are born with?
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
What are the Bill of Rights?
What was Marbury v. Madison?
Supreme Court case that has the right to declare laws unconstitutional; increased the power of the Supreme Court and federal government
Name 2 ways America expanded
2. Texas Annexation
3. Mexican Cession/ Mexican- American War
What were 2 methods used by state governments in the South to deny African Americans their constitutional rights?
- Jim Crow Laws
- segregated public facilities
- prevention of black males from voting (literacy tests, intimidation tactics, etc)
What is the primary responsibility of the government?
Protect people's natural rights
Why was the Articles of Confederation considered to be "weak"?
(200 pts for every correct reason)
1. There was only 1 branch (Legislative)
2. There was NO executive branch (President)
3. Congress didn't collect taxes
4. The states had the most power
5. Shay's Rebellion
What are 2 examples of the unwritten Constitution?
- President will run only for 2 terms
- 2 main political parties
- President has the power to create a "cabinet" (his advisors)
Name 3 factors that helped American expand
1. Erie Canal
2. Transcontinental Railroad
3. Indian Removal Act
4. The California Gold Rush
5. The Homestead Act
6. Dawes Act
What did the Supreme Court say about segregation in Plessy v. Ferguson?
Separate but equal