US History Study Guide Unit 2

Key Terms

• Federalism: A system of government that divides power between a national government and state governments.
• Expansion: The process of territorial or economic growth and increase, often referring to the westward movement in US history.
• Government: The organized system by which a community or nation is governed.
• Foreign Policy: A set of strategies and decisions made by a government regarding its relations with other countries.
• Representation: The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state of being represented.
• Native American: Indigenous peoples of the United States, with diverse cultures and histories.
• Slavery: The practice of owning slaves, which was a crucial part of American economy and society prior to the Civil War.
• Industrialization: The development of industries in a country or region on a wide scale, significantly impacting the economy and workforce.
• Liberty: The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority.
• Immigrant: A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country, contributing to cultural and demographic changes.
• Borders: The boundaries that define the geographic extent of a political entity or legal jurisdiction.
• Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself or another state.

Early Declarations

• Two significant early declarations include the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.

Committee of Five

• The Committee of Five was formed to draft the Declaration of Independence; it consisted of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston.

Structure of the Declaration of Independence

• The final declaration included a preamble, a list of grievances against King George III, and a formal declaration of independence.

Presentation of the Declaration of Independence

• The Declaration was presented to the public in July 1776, with the hope that it would inspire soldiers to fight for freedom.

Key Figures

• John Adams: A prominent advocate for independence and second President of the United States.
• Benjamin Franklin: An influential Founding Father, known for his role in diplomacy and contributions to science and philosophy.

Key Battles

• Battle of New York: A major early battle where British forces captured New York City.
• Battle of Trenton: A significant victory for American forces following a surprise attack on Christmas night 1776.
• Battle of Saratoga: Turning point of the war that secured French support for the American cause.
• Valley Forge: Site of the Continental Army’s winter camp, marked by severe hardships in 1777-78.
• Siege of Charleston, SC: A significant defeat for the Americans in 1780, leading to the fall of Charleston to British forces.
• Battle of Cowpens: An important American victory in South Carolina in 1781 that helped turn the tide of the war.
• Battle of Yorktown: The last major battle of the Revolutionary War where British General Cornwallis surrendered in 1781.

Treaty of Paris

• The Treaty of Paris (1783) formally ended the Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.

Factors for American Victory

• The Americans won due to political and military alliances, fighting on home turf, and strong will for independence.

Articles of Confederation

• The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States but lasted only six years due to weaknesses in federal authority.

Law-Making Under Articles of Confederation

• To pass laws, a supermajority of nine states was required.

National Government under Articles of Confederation

• The Articles established a weak national government with limited powers; the lack of executive and judicial branches hindered its effectiveness.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

• A significant legislation that established a method for admitting new states and outlined governance for the Northwest Territory.

Shays' Rebellion

• An armed uprising in 1786-87 led by Daniel Shays, protesting economic injustices and lack of government response, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Supreme Law of the Land

• The Constitution is established as the supreme law of the land, taking precedence over state laws.

Foundation of the US Constitution

• The Constitution is founded on principles of democracy, federalism, and the protection of individual liberties.

Basic Principles of the Constitution

• Includes separation of powers, checks and balances, popular sovereignty, limited government, and judicial review.

Father of the Constitution

• James Madison is often referred to as the ‘father of the Constitution’ for his pivotal role in its drafting and ratification.

Reasons for Writing the Constitution

• The Constitution was written to create a stronger federal government, address issues found in the Articles of Confederation, and ensure a more stable union.

Constitution Creation Details

• Drafted in 1787 in Philadelphia, the intent was to improve governance and protect individual rights.

Competing Plans

• Virginia Plan: Proposed a strong national government with a bicameral legislature based on population.
• New Jersey Plan: Advocated for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state.
• Great Compromise: Merged both plans, creating a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

• Federalists: Supported a strong central government and the Constitution, emphasizing the need for order and stability.
• Anti-Federalists: Opposed the Constitution, fearing central power and advocating for states' rights and individual liberties.

Structure of the Constitution

• Established a framework for government consisting of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, each with separate powers and duties.

Ex Post Facto Clause

• Prohibits laws that retroactively criminalize actions; for example, making a previously legal action illegal and prosecuting individuals for it.

Necessary & Proper/Elastic Clause

• Grants Congress the power to pass laws necessary to carry out its duties; for example, regulating interstate commerce or establishing a national bank.

Test your knowledge on key terms and concepts from US History Unit 2. This quiz covers essential definitions, significant figures like the Committee of Five, and major historical declarations. Prepare to deepen your understanding of foundational ideas in American history.