Foundations & Constitution
This document replaced the Articles of Confederation and created a stronger federal government.
What is the Constitution?
This belief said it was America’s destiny to expand west.
What is Manifest Destiny?
This amendment abolished slavery.
What is the 13th Amendment?
This term is for businesses that controlled entire industries and limited competition.
What are monopolies?
This policy aimed to stop the spread of communism.
What is containment?
This principle divides power between national and state governments.
What is federalism?
This 1830 law forced Native Americans off their land.
What is the Indian Removal Act?
This document declared enslaved people free in Confederate states.
What is the Emancipation Proclamation?
Journalists who exposed corruption.
What are muckrakers?
This event nearly led to nuclear war between the U.S. and Soviet Union.
What is the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Why was the Bill of Rights added to the Constitution?
To protect individual freedoms and limit government power.
How did the Transcontinental Railroad impact the U.S.?
It connected east and west, boosted trade, and sped up settlement.
What was the main goal of Reconstruction?
To rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved people into society.
How did industrialization change working conditions?
Long hours, low wages, unsafe conditions, leading to labor movements.
Why did the U.S. get involved in the Vietnam War?
To stop the spread of communism (containment).
Compare the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution.
Articles = weak central gov; Constitution = stronger federal system with checks and balances.
Explain one cause and one effect of westward expansion.
Cause: Manifest Destiny; Effect: displacement of Native Americans.
Why did Reconstruction ultimately fail?
Lack of enforcement, resistance in the South, rise of Jim Crow laws.
How did Progressive reforms address problems of industrialization?
Regulations, labor laws, trust-busting, safer conditions.
Explain how the Cold War affected U.S. foreign policy.
Led to alliances, military buildup, and global involvement.
How do checks and balances prevent abuse of power? Provide an example.
Each branch can limit the others (ex: veto, judicial review).
Evaluate whether westward expansion was beneficial or harmful. Support with evidence.
Mixed—growth and opportunity vs. Native American displacement.
Civil Rights Amendments and What they mean
13,14,15 Free Citizens Vote
Analyze how industrialization led to both economic growth and social problems.
Growth in industry/jobs but poor conditions and inequality.
Evaluate the impact of the Cold War on American society.
Fear (Red Scare), military spending, technological advances.