Colonial Foundations
How did geography (climate, natural resources, or waterways) influence how people made a living in the American colonies?
Each colony had their means of making money. NE - Fishing, whaling, ship building, lumber
Middle - Breadbasket Colonies for growing grain, livestock raising, trading
Southern - Cash crops (tobacco, cotton, indigo) grown by slaves
Why did colonists destroy tea in Boston Harbor, and what message were they sending?
Colonists destroyed the tea in Boston Harbor to protest unfair British taxes, especially the Tea Act to demonstrate their desire to gain a voice in government
How does the Bill of Rights protect religious liberty?
Freedom of religion guaranteed by the First Amendment. Prevents the government from establishing an official religion and protects people’s right to practice any faith freely
GW warned that political parties could divide us and getting involved in foreign affairs could drag us into unnecessary wars
How did Andrew Jackson expand the power of the presidency?
Made use of the veto more than any President before him. Presented himself as a man of the people rather than stooge of Congress
Why did the United States want control of the Mississippi River and New Orleans?
The US wanted control of the Mississippi River and New Orleans to protect trade, ensure access to important shipping routes, and allow farmers to move goods to international markets
What ideas from the Enlightenment influenced colonial beliefs about government and individual rights?
John Locke - Natural rights (life, liberty property) the biggest influence
Why did the British issue the Proclamation of 1763 and how did the colonists feel about it?
Britain wanted to end conflicts between the 13 colonies and NA by restricting expansion past the Appalachian Mts. Colonists who wanted to move west hated this and the law caused friction between Britain/13 Colonies
Why did the Founders believe separation of powers and checks and balances were necessary to prevent tyranny?
Dividing government power keeps any one branch or person from becoming too powerful. By allowing each branch to limit the others, the system protects individual rights and prevents abuse of authority.
Why did Alexander Hamilton believe a national bank was important for the U.S. economy?
Alexander Hamilton believed a national bank was important because it would help stabilize the U.S. economy, manage the nation’s debt, and provide a reliable national currency
How did the Indian Removal Act impact Native American tribes?
The Indian Removal Act forced many Native American tribes to leave their ancestral lands and relocate west of the Mississippi River, leading to suffering, death, and the Trail of Tears.
What was the purpose of the Monroe Doctrine, and what message did it send to Europe?
The Monroe Doctrine sent the message that the Western Hemisphere was closed to further European colonization and that the United States would oppose foreign interference in the Americas
What does "no taxation without representation" mean? Why did the colonies think the British taxes were unfair?
They were being taxed without the consent of the people because they had no voice or representation in the British Parliament, meaning they had no say in their own government
Why did early American leaders fear a strong central government after independence?
They feared such government would become tyrannical just like King George. Created the Articles of Confederation in response
How did the Bill of Rights help resolve disagreements over ratifying the Constitution?
The BOR addressed the Antifederalists’ concerns about individual freedoms. By adding the BOR to clearly protect basic rights and limit government power, it convinced many opponents to support ratification
How did the Alien and Sedition Acts conflict with First Amendment freedoms?
These Acts conflicted with First Amendment freedoms by limiting free speech and press. It became illegal to criticize the government and increased government power in ways that threatened individual liberties
Why did Andrew Jackson support Native American removal?
Jackson supported Native American removal because he believed it would open land for white settlers and argued that relocation was necessary for economic growth and national expansion
What constitutional concern did Thomas Jefferson have about purchasing Louisiana?
TJ worried that the Constitution did not clearly give the president the power to purchase foreign land, and he feared the purchase might be unconstitutional
Describe one method of protest used by colonists against British laws or taxes and explain why colonists chose that method
Boycotted Goods - Hurt Britain's economy by not purchasing products
Tar and Feather/Property Destruction - Attacked and destroyed those who supported the taxes
Protested in Streets - Assembled to have their voices heard
What were 2 of the main goals/duties of the Articles of Confederation, and why did they limit federal power?
1. Could declare war or peace
2. Could maintain and army/navy
3. Could sign treaties with other nations
All to keep the federal government weak
Why did Antifederalists oppose ratification of the Constitution?
Antifederalists believed the Constitution gave the government too much power and did not do enough to protect individual rights. They feared a strong national government could threaten personal freedoms
Why were American diplomats meeting with France during the XYZ Affair?
American diplomats met with France during the XYZ Affair to try to resolve tensions caused by France seizing American ships, impressing sailors, and avoid going to war
Why did critics refer to Andrew Jackson as “King Andrew I”?
Jackson abused his authority as President, replaced competent government workers with lackeys with the Spoils System, and refused to enforce necessary laws
What is Manifest Destiny, and how did it justify U.S. expansion?
Manifest Destiny was the belief that the United States was meant to expand westward across North America. It justified U.S. expansion by arguing that American settlement and control of new land were natural, beneficial, and even divinely approved, often ignoring the impact on Native Americans and other nations
Give one example of how colonists practiced self-government before independence and explain why it was important to them
House of Burgesses -1st representational government made decisions for Jamestown's future
Mayflower Compact - 1st written agreement by the Pilgrims (precursor to a Constitution)
Charter of Privileges/Orders of Connecticut - Foundations of colonial government
How did British responses like the Coercive/Intolerable Acts affect relationships among the colonies?
Britain sought to punish Boston after the Tea Party by isolating Massachusetts with the Coercive/Intolerable Acts. However, seeing Britain punish one of their own united the colonies to send money and supplies to help their fellow colonists
What is judicial review, and why is it an important power of the Supreme Court?
Judicial review is the power of the Supreme Court to determine whether laws/gov't actions are constitutional. It is important because it allows the Court to check and balance the actions of the other two branches
What is the elastic clause, and how does it expand the powers of Congress?
Part of the Constitution that allows Congress to pass laws that are “necessary and proper” to carry out its listed powers. Gives the government flexibility to adapt and meet new needs, even if those powers are not specifically written in the Constitution.
What role did the Supreme Court case Worcester v. Georgia play in the conflict over Native American land?
In Worcester v. Georgia the SC ruled that states had no authority over Native American lands, but Andrew Jackson refused to enforce the decision, allowing removal policies to continue for westward expansion
How did the United States acquire new territory between 1783 and 1853? Name 2 methods
1. Land Purchases (Louisiana, Gadsden, Florida) 2. Wars (Mexican American, Annexation of Texas) 3. Land Deals (Oregon Territory, NA lands)