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.