midterm Flashcards
(51 cards)
What was unique about the colony of Maryland in the colonial era?
Maryland was found as a haven for Catholics facing persecution in Protestant England. It promoted religious tolerance through the Maryland Toleration Act of 1649.
How did the Jamestown colony go from being on the verge of collapse to great prosperity?
Initially, Jamestown struggled due to poor leadership, famine, and conflicts with Native Americans. The introduction of tobacco cultivation by John Rolfe in 1612, which became a profitable cash crop.
Mercantilism:
An economic policy where colonies existed to benefit the mother country (Britain) by providing raw materials and serving as markets for finished goods.
Salutary Neglect:
A British policy of loosely enforcing colonial trade regulations, allowing colonies significant self-governance, which fostered a spirit of independence.
Explain how the Virginia House of Burgesses, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut and the Mayflower Compact are connected?
These documents and institutions represent early forms of self-government in the colonies. The Virginia House of Burgesses (1619) was the first legislative assembly, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut (1639) was the first written constitution, and the Mayflower Compact (1620) established governance through majority rule among the Plymouth colonists.
Identify the main cause of the French and Indian War aka…The Seven Years War.
This war was primarily fought over territorial disputes between Britain and France in North America, particularly the Ohio River Valley, which both nations claimed.
Why was the formation of the Albany Plan of Union during the Seven Years historically important?
This plan aimed to unify the colonies for defense and governance. While it was not adopted, it marked an early attempt at colonial unity. (Benjamin Franklin 1754)
Identify some of the main causes of the American Revolution?
Taxation without representation (the stamp act, the tea act, ect)
British military presence in colonies
The Proclamation of 1763 restricting westward expansion
Enlightenment ideas about rights and self-governance
How did Thomas Paine contribute to the cause of American independence?
Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense (1776) argued persuasively for independence, criticizing monarchy and promoting republican government, which sparked public support for the Revolution.
Describe why the Declaration of Independence was so radical for its day?
The Declaration (1776) emphasized unalienable rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This directly challenged the idea of monarchy and divine right.
Describe how the British planned to defeat the colonists in the early days of the American Revolution?
The British wanted to divide and conquer and control major cities including New York, and split the colonies in two by taking the Hudson River Valley. They also tried to block ports to cut off supplies and hoped Loyalists in the colonies would help.
How did Shay’s Rebellion influence the men who came to Philadelphia to fix the Articles of Confederation?
Shays Rebellion (1786-1787) showed how weak the federal government was under the Articles of Confederation. Farmers, upset about high taxes and debt, rose up in protests, and the government couldn’t stop them easily. This convinced leaders that a stronger national government was needed, which led to the Constitutional Convention.
Identify a few of the key weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.
The federal government couldn’t collect taxes
there was no national army or way to enforce laws
Congress couldn’t regulate trade between states.
No president or national court system existed
Why is the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 considered one of the few SUCCESSES of the government under the Articles of Confederation.
It created a system for new states to join the U.S and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory. It promised basic rights like freedom of religion and education. This was one of the first times the U.S set rules for expanding westward.
What were some of the compromises at the Constitutional Convention?
The Great Compromise:
The agreement by which Congress would have two houses, the Senate (where each state gets equal representation-two senators) and the House of Represenatives (where representation is based on population).
The Three-Fifths Compromise:
It determined that three out of every five slaves were counted when determining a state’s total population for legislative representation and taxation.
The Electoral Col`1lege:
Electors -
Each state has a certain number of electors based on its population. There are a total of 538 electors.
Voting -
When people vote for President, they’re actually voting for a slate of electors pledged to that candidate.
Majority Wins -
To win the presidency, a candidate needs a majority of the electoral votes, which is at least half
State Winner Takes All -
Most states use a winner takes all system, meaning the candidate who gets the most votes in that state gets all of its electoral votes
How were the ideas of the Federalists and Anti-federalists different from one another?
Federalists:
Supported taking away some power from the states and giving more power to the national government
Favored dividing powers among different branches of government
Proposed a single person to lead the executive branch
Believed the Constitution did not need a Bill of Rights
Non-Federalists:
Wanted important political powers to remain within the states
Wanted the Legislative Branch to have more power than an Executive
Feared that a strong executive might become a king or tyrant
Wanted a Bill of Rights added to the Consitution to protect the rights of citizens
Describe the importance of the Federalist Papers?
Offered insight into the intentions of key individuals who debated the elements of the Constituion
Explain how the “necessary and proper/elastic clause” strengthened the authority of the Federal government.
Congress has the power to make laws that are “nessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing powers.” This means that if Congress needs to pass a new law, they have the authority to do so.
How does the impeachment process work?
The House of Representatives articles (charges) of impeachment against an official
If the House adopts the articles by a simple majority vote, the official has been impeached
The Senate holds an impeachment trial. In case of a President, the U.S. Supreme Court chief justice presides
If found guilty, the official is removed from office. They may never be able to hold elected office again.
If they are not found guilty, they may continue to serve in office
Identify a few important powers of the President.
Veto bills and sign bills
Represent our nation in talks with foreign countries
Enforce the laws that Congress passes
Act as Commander-In-Chief during a war
Why is the SCOTUS case of Marbury v Madison so important?
Describe three features that allow the Constitution to adapt to modern times.
Firmly established that the Supreme Court of the United States has the power to determine the constitutionality and validity of the acts of the other two branches of government
Checks and balances
Identify some of the key concepts of the Bill of Rights.
Civil Rights
Due Process of Law
Eqaulity
Warnings in Washington’s Farewell Address?
Forces of geographical sectionalism
Political factionalism
Intereference by forgein powers in the nation’s domestic affairs threatened the stability of the republic
Maintain foreign policy, stay independent
What was controversial about Hamilton’s plan for a national bank?
There was a fear that the bank would create a financial monopoly that might undermine state banks and adopt policies that favored financiers and merchants.
