American Trade and Britain's Response

The idea that governments should be created and revised through a structured process, often involving conventions and popular votes.

A document that outlines the fundamental principles and structure of a government, defining the powers and limits of the state.

A type of government where power is held by elected representatives and the people have a say in decision-making.

The process of formally approving a new constitution or law through a vote by the people.

The practice of drafting and approving a constitution by a specially convened group of citizens, followed by a direct vote by the people.

A collection of laws, customs, and precedents that form the foundation for a government, often unwritten.

A legal document that establishes a binding agreement between parties.

A significant change or shift in thinking, often involving a rejection of old beliefs.

The Articles of Confederation was the first government established by the newly independent United States after the Revolutionary War. It created a weak central government with limited powers, leaving most authority to the states.

The Articles of Confederation proved ineffective in governing the United States. It lacked the power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws effectively, leading to significant challenges in maintaining national unity and economic stability.

The United States Constitution, adopted in 1787, replaced the Articles of Confederation. It created a more powerful federal government with a system of checks and balances to prevent any branch from becoming too dominant.

The US Constitution established three branches of government: the legislative (Congress), executive (President), and judicial (Courts). Each branch has specific powers and is designed to check and balance the others, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.

The debate over the powers and responsibilities of the federal government versus the states continues to be a defining issue in American politics. The Constitution addresses this issue by outlining the powers of both the federal government and the states.

The founding fathers faced the challenge of building a new nation based on democratic principles and establishing a system of government that would protect individual liberties while ensuring effective governance.

The American colonists, through their experience with self-governance, developed a strong tradition of self-rule. This legacy heavily influenced the development of American democracy.

The United States inherited a vast and fertile territory that provided economic opportunities and resources for growth. This abundance of land shaped the nation's development and its westward expansion.

A period of unrest and rebellion in Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays, fueled by economic hardship and dissatisfaction with the government.

A system of government where power is held by elected representatives and the people have a voice in decision-making.

A type of government where states hold the majority of power, with a weak central authority.

The fear of mob rule and excessive popular power.

The idea that individuals should put the needs of society and the common good above their own self-interest.

A state of being unrestrained or uncontrolled, often associated with excessive freedom or lack of rules.

A severe economic crisis facing the newly formed United States in the mid-1780s, characterized by dwindling national finances, state resistance to taxation, worthless currency, and widespread debt.

The system used by the Confederation government to raise revenue by requesting contributions from states, which often resulted in underfunding and resistance.

The weak and depreciated currency issued by states in the 1780s, often nicknamed "Rag Money" due to its limited value.

The aggressive actions of North African pirates against American ships in the Mediterranean Sea, seizing goods and taking sailors captive.

The inability of the new nation to effectively defend its interests against foreign powers due to weakness and lack of resources.

The leader of Shays's Rebellion, a Revolutionary War veteran who sought to alleviate the economic struggles of farmers and prevent property takeovers.

The use of force by the Massachusetts authorities to suppress Shays's Rebellion, highlighting the fragility of the new nation and the need for a stronger central government.

A term used to describe the refusal of Britain to make a trade deal with the newly independent United States.

Lord Sheffield argued that British trade would naturally return to America after independence.

A tactic employed by the British to restrict trade with the United States. They banned American ships from trading in the Caribbean, but Americans continued to smuggle goods in.

The British continued to maintain trading posts and fur trade with Native American tribes in the US territory, particularly in the north.

The Allen brothers were a group of Vermonters who wanted to join Britain rather than the US.

The US achieved independence in name only in 1783, as foreign influence persisted beyond the Appalachian Mountains. This changed in 1803 with the Louisiana Purchase.

The influence of Spain and Britain in areas along the US borders and in the south after the American Revolutionary War.

The area west of the Appalachian Mountains was largely disputed by the United States, Britain, and Spain after the Revolutionary War.

The 1787 Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia arose from the pressing need to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which had failed to provide an effective framework for governing the newly independent nation.

A proposal advocating for representation in Congress based on a state's population, which would have favored larger states.

A counter-proposal emphasizing equal representation for all states in Congress, regardless of population, designed to protect the interests of smaller states.

The intense debate surrounding the 'Large-State Plan' and 'Small-State Plan' led to a stalemate, threatening the collapse of the Constitutional Convention.

The Great Compromise, also known as the Connecticut Compromise, resolved the deadlock by establishing a bicameral legislature with a Senate providing equal representation for each state and a House of Representatives based on population.

Thomas Jefferson, a prominent figure in the American Revolution, expressed skepticism about the new Constitution, believing its principles could have been achieved through simpler amendments to the Articles of Confederation.

The convention's prolonged debate and the threat of failure prompted Benjamin Franklin, a seasoned statesman, to suggest prayer as a way to seek guidance and unity.

The Constitutional Convention faced a daunting task, navigating conflicting interests and seeking a framework that would balance power and ensure a unified nation.