Historical Documents
This document announced the American colonies' independence from Britain.
Declaration of Independence
This 1807 law halted all foreign trade due to conflicts between Britain and France.
Embargo Act
This purchase in 1803 doubled the size of the United States
Louisiana Purchase
This president warned against alliances and political parties in his Farewell Address
George Washington
This principle divides the government into three branches to prevent tyranny
Separation of Powers
This was the first governing document of the United States, but it lacked the power to tax
Articles of Confederation
This 1798 law made it harder for immigrants to become U.S. citizens and allowed the president to deport non-citizens
Alien and Sedition Act
This diplomatic incident between the U.S. and France happened during John Adams’ presidency
XYZ Affair
This president was responsible for the Louisiana Purchase
Thomas Jefferson
This system ensures that no branch of government becomes too powerful.
Checks and Balances
This document replaced the Articles of Confederation and created a stronger national government.
U.S. Constitution
This 1823 policy declared the Americas off-limits to European colonization
Monroe Doctrine
This war is often referred to as the "Second War of Independence."
War of 1812
This president was in office during the XYZ Affair and the Alien and Sedition Acts
John Adams
This amendment protects freedoms like speech, religion, and assembly.
1st Amendment
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution are known by this name.
Bill of Rights
This law suppressed First Amendment rights by restricting free speech critical of the government
Sedition Act
This event demonstrated the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation when Congress couldn’t raise money to pay soldiers
Shay’s Rebellion
This president is known for his role during the War of 1812
James Madison
The U.S. Constitution was created to address weaknesses in this earlier document
Articles of Confederation
George Washington’s Farewell Address warned the nation that this would split the country.
political parties
This law was part of Thomas Jefferson's effort to remain neutral during the Napoleonic Wars
Embargo Act
This war helped create a strong sense of American nationalism and established the U.S. as a superpower
War of 1812
This president's era is referred to as the “Era of Good Feelings.”
James Monroe
The Constitution established this branch to interpret laws
Judicial Branch