US History Midterm Review

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Questions and Answers

Explain the primary role of the executive branch in the US government.

The executive branch enforces and executes laws passed by the legislative branch. It is headed by the President, who is responsible for carrying out the laws and overseeing the government's day-to-day operations.

Which of the following is NOT a component of the legislative branch?

  • Supreme Court (correct)
  • President's Cabinet
  • House of Representatives
  • Senate

The concept of _______ ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by giving each branch the ability to check the others.

checks and balances

The Senate and House of Representatives have equal representation from each state.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following branches of government with their primary functions:

<p>Executive = Enforces laws Legislative = Creates laws Judicial = Evaluates laws</p> Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of how the judicial branch checks the power of the legislative branch.

<p>The judicial branch, through the Supreme Court, can declare laws passed by Congress unconstitutional. This power allows the judicial branch to review and strike down laws that violate the Constitution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the main idea behind the economic theory of mercantilism.

<p>Mercantilism is an economic policy where a nation aims to increase its wealth and power by exporting more goods than it imports, accumulating gold and silver reserves, and controlling trade with colonies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did mercantilism impact trade between the colonies and Great Britain?

<p>It restricted colonial trade to only British goods and markets. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the creation of the Constitution?

<p>The states wanted to create a new government that would be stronger and more centralized (A), The Articles of Confederation were too weak and ineffective (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution because they believed it would give too much power to the states.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the main difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate.

<p>The House of Representatives has representation based on the population of each state, while the Senate has two representatives from each state, regardless of population.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ Compromise determined that three-fifths of the enslaved population would count towards a state's total population for representation in the House of Representatives.

<p>Three-Fifths</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following amendments with their corresponding rights:

<p>1st Amendment = Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly 4th Amendment = Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures 5th Amendment = Protection from self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and due process 6th Amendment = Right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, and counsel 8th Amendment = Protection from cruel and unusual punishment and excessive bail</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these precedents did George Washington set during his presidency?

<p>He created the first cabinet of advisors to assist him in governing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton agreed on the interpretation of the Constitution and the role of the federal government.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the main arguments of the Federalists in favor of the Constitution?

<p>The Federalists favored a strong, centralized government, believing it necessary to maintain national unity, enforce laws, and protect the country's interests. They argued that a strong federal government would promote stability and prosperity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ Rebellion, a protest against taxes levied by the new government, served as a reminder of the need for a stronger national government capable of maintaining order and enforcing laws.

<p>Whiskey</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these actions did George Washington take to establish the power of the federal government?

<p>He organized the first national bank to manage the nation's finances (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major reason for the French and Indian War?

<p>Disputes over land near the Ohio River Valley (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Stamp Act was a tax on all paper goods, including newspapers and legal documents.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Townshend Acts contribute to the growing tension between the colonies and Britain?

<p>The Townshend Acts taxed items like glass, tea, and paper, leading to protests and boycotts by colonists who felt they were being unfairly taxed without any representation in the British Parliament.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ was a major turning point in the Revolutionary War, convincing France to join the American side.

<p>Battle of Saratoga</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following events with their corresponding years:

<p>Boston Tea Party = 1773 Battle of Yorktown = 1781 Battle of Trenton = 1776 First Continental Congress = 1774</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

<p>Limited representation in the federal government (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The colonists' familiarity with the land and their use of guerilla tactics were major strengths during the American Revolution.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Battle of Brooklyn during the American Revolution?

<p>The Battle of Brooklyn was a significant defeat for the American forces. It showed the strength of the British Navy and their superior military experience. While the colonists were outnumbered, they put up a valiant fight, but eventually were forced to retreat, highlighting the challenges they faced against the more powerful British army.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ______ was a significant problem faced by the American army during the winter at Valley Forge.

<p>lack of supplies</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the British gain from the Treaty of Paris in 1783?

<p>Financial compensation for war-related expenses (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Shay's Rebellion was a significant event that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain two key concepts included in the Declaration of Independence and why they were significant.

<p>Two key concepts were: 1) All people are born with natural rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which justified the colonists' fight for freedom from British oppression. 2) The colonies had the right to separate and form their own government because they had the power to grant it, not the King, signifying a rejection of the British monarchy's absolute authority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The British relied on ______ to supplement their troops during the Revolutionary War.

<p>mercenaries</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a major strength of the American side during the Revolutionary War?

<p>A well-equipped and well-supplied army (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Intolerable Acts were harsh punishments levied on the colonies in response to the Boston Tea Party.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the British economic policies, such as the Tea Act, contribute to the growing discontent in the colonies?

<p>The Tea Act, meant to benefit the British East India Company, imposed a monopoly on tea sales to the colonists, effectively forcing them to purchase tea only from that specific company, leading to a sense of unfairness and lack of control over their economic decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following battles with their significance:

<p>Battle of Lexington and Concord = The first battles of the American Revolution Battle of Bunker Hill = A significant victory for the Americans Battle of Saratoga = A major turning point in the war as France agreed to help Battle of Yorktown = The last major battle of the war, resulting in a British surrender</p> Signup and view all the answers

The American victory at the ______ marked the end of major fighting in the Revolutionary War.

<p>Battle of Yorktown</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Three branches of government

The US government is divided into the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Executive branch

The branch that enforces laws, consisting of the president, vice president, and cabinet.

Legislative branch

The branch that creates laws, made up of the House of Representatives and Senate.

Judicial branch

The branch that evaluates laws, consisting of the Supreme Court.

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Checks and balances

A system ensuring that no branch exceeds its power over the others.

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Mercantilism

An economic theory where a nation aims to accumulate wealth through trade and resource control.

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Impact of Mercantilism on colonies

Mercantilism led to a trade system favoring Britain, limiting the colonies' economic freedom.

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Impeachment

The process by which Congress can remove a President for misconduct.

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Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, which created a weak federal government.

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Constitutional Convention Compromises

Agreements made during the Constitutional Convention that shaped the legislative branch structure.

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Senate Representation

Each state gets two Senators regardless of population.

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House of Representatives

Legislative house based on state population, including a counting rule for slaves.

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Federalists

Supporters of a strong central government and the Constitution.

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Anti-Federalists

Opponents of a strong central government; they preferred state power.

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Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual rights.

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George Washington's Precedents

Traditions set by Washington for the presidency, like serving two terms.

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Jefferson vs. Hamilton

Differing views on the Constitution; Jefferson favored strict interpretation, Hamilton relaxed interpretation.

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Shays' Rebellion

An uprising that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

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French and Indian War

A conflict between France and Britain over land in North America, especially the Ohio River Valley.

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Taxation without Representation

Colonists were taxed by Britain without having representation in Parliament.

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Stamp Act (1765)

First direct tax on the colonies, taxing all paper goods.

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Townshend Acts (1767)

Taxes on imports like glass, paper, and tea, leading to colonial boycotts.

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Boston Massacre (1770)

British troops killed 5 colonists during a protest, fueling anti-British sentiments.

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Tea Act (1773)

Allowed the British East India Company to sell tea directly to the colonies, undercutting local merchants.

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Intolerable Acts (1774)

Punitive laws passed by Britain in response to the Boston Tea Party, stripping Massachusetts of self-governance.

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First Continental Congress (1774)

Meeting of colonial representatives to address grievances against Britain.

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Battles of Lexington and Concord

First military engagements of the American Revolution, marking the start of the conflict.

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American Strengths in the Revolution

Patriotism and familiarity with the land gave Americans an advantage in the war.

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Battle of Saratoga (1777)

Turning point in the Revolution, convincing France to ally with America.

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Treaty of Paris 1783

Agreement that ended the Revolutionary War, recognizing American independence and territorial gains.

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Study Notes

US History Midterm Review

  • Exam Schedule:

    • January 30: Periods 1 & 4
    • January 31: Periods 5 & 8
    • February 3: Periods 2 & 3
    • February 4: Periods 6 & 7

  • Exam Format:

    • Multiple Choice (30 questions, 40% of exam)
    • Document-Based Question (1 prompt, 60% of exam)

  • Textbook Use: Use class notes first, but the textbook should be a supplementary resource. Avoid Wikipedia and general internet searches.

American Government

  • Branches of Government:

    • Executive: Enforces laws; President, Vice President, Cabinet
    • Judicial: Interprets laws; Supreme Court
    • Legislative: Makes laws; House of Representatives (population-based), Senate (2 per state)

  • Checks and Balances: A system where each branch of government limits the power of the other two. This prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful.

    • Example: Legislative branch (Senate) can impeach executive branch officials.

Colonies & French & Indian War

  • Mercantilism: An economic theory where a nation tries to amass as much gold as possible. Colonies export goods for low prices to Britain, who sells them for higher profits.

  • Colonial Trade Impact: Mercantilism shaped trade between colonies, Europe, and the rest of the world to benefit Britain.

  • French and Indian War Causes: Disagreements over land, particularly near the Ohio River Valley, between France and Britain.

  • French and Indian War & Revolution Connection: Britain's massive debt from the war led to high taxes on the colonies without representation in Parliament. This was a key catalyst for the Revolution.

  • Colonial Economic Differences: Northern colonies focused on manufacturing, while Southern colonies relied on farming and plantations.

Events Leading to the American Revolution

  • Key Acts & Events Leading to the Revolution:

    • Stamp Act (1765): Tax on paper goods (newspapers, etc.)
    • Townshend Acts (1767): Tax on glass, tea, and paper, leading to protests and boycotts.
    • Boston Massacre (1770): British troops killed 5 colonists during a protest.
    • Tea Act (1773): British East India Company granted cheaper tea, causing colonial boycotts ("Boston Tea Party").
    • Intolerable Acts (1774): Britain punished Massachusetts, closing the Boston harbor
    • First Continental Congress (1774): Colonial representatives met to discuss response to Intolerable Acts, deciding on a boycott of British goods.
    • Battles of Lexington & Concord (1775): First battles of the American Revolution; American victory.

  • Reasons for and Against Independence:

    • For Independence: Freedom from British control, heavy taxes, and harsh punishments.
    • Against Independence: Economic ties with Britain, concerns about military and financial strength, and the potential for rebellion.

  • Declaration of Independence: Outlined the ideals of inherent rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness), self-governance, and the justification for independence.

American Revolution

  • American Strengths & Weaknesses:

    • American Strengths: Patriotism, knowledge of the land.
    • American Weaknesses: Inexperience, lack of a navy, inadequate supplies & money.
    • British Strengths: Manpower, weaponry, experienced military, and strong navy.
    • British Weaknesses: Mercenaries fighting for pay, unfamiliarity with local terrain, expensive supply lines.

  • Important Battles:

    • Lexington & Concord (1775): The first battles, proving the colonists were willing to fight.
    • Bunker Hill (1775): American loss, but high morale from fighting the British.
    • Brooklyn (1776) : British Victory,
    • Trenton (1776): American surprise attack victory.
    • Princeton (1777): American victory
    • Saratoga (1777): Crucial victory that won France as an ally.
    • Valley Forge (1777-1778): American hardship and training ground for the Continental Army.
    • Yorktown (1781): American and French forces defeat Britain, leading to surrender.

  • Treaty of Paris (1783): Established America's independence and set boundaries.

  • Reasons for American Victory:

    • Allies: Alliance with France provided much-needed support.
    • Leadership: Washington's leadership and strategic abilities.
    • Familiarity with Terrain: Americans' knowledge of the land proved beneficial for strategies and tactics.

The Creation of a New Government

  • Articles of Confederation Strengths & Weaknesses:

    • Strengths: Made peace treaties, borrowed money, ended the war.
    • Weaknesses: No taxing power, no ability to draft an army, and limited control over commerce.

  • Articles of Confederation Failures: Weaknesses led to conflicts and rebellions (like Shay's Rebellion), highlighting the need for a stronger central government.

  • Constitutional Convention Compromises: The compromise to create a bicameral legislative branch with the Senate representing each state equally and the House based on population. A significant issue was deciding how to count enslaved people for population counts in the House of Representatives.

  • Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist Arguments:

    • Federalists: Favored a stronger central government.
    • Anti-Federalists: Favored stronger state governments.

  • Bill of Rights Amendments (1st, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th):

  • First Amendment: Freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly

  • Fourth Amendment: Protection against unreasonable search and seizure

  • Fifth Amendment: Protection against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, due process

  • Sixth Amendment: Right to a speedy trial, impartial jury, counsel

  • Eighth Amendment: Protection against cruel and unusual punishment, excessive bail

  • Washington's Presidency: Established numerous precedents that shaped American presidency; including creating the Cabinet, serving two terms, and appointing judges.

  • Jefferson vs. Hamilton: Differences in interpretations of the Constitution and size and strength of the federal government.

Additional Information

  • Document-Based Question Preparation: Focus on developing strong thesis statements and using evidence from the provided documents.
  • Possible Essay Questions: Questions are about causes of the Revolution, American victory, constitution ratification, and Washington's presidency.
  • Review past evidenced based assignments. Be ready for essay questions.

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