Ch. 1 Flashcards
Christopher Columbus
Italian mariner who accidentally discovered the Americans in 1492 when looking for India
Columbian exchange
The global exchange of good and ideas between Europe, Africa and the Americas after Columbus had discovered the Americas in 1492
Mayflower compact
Framework for self-government of the Plymouth colony signed on the ship the Mayflower in 1620
Magma carta
English document from 1215 that limited the power of the king and provided basic rights for citizens
English bill of rights
Document signed in 1689 that guaranteed the rights of English citizens
Thomas Jefferson
Drafted the declaration of independence
George Washington
First president of the united states of America and military leader
Bill of rights
The first 10 amendments of the Constitution
Shays rebellion
Farmers rebellion led by Daniel Shays against higher taxes in Massachusetts
James Madison
“Father of the Constitution” secretary of state and president for two full terms
Ratify
To confirm
Federalism
Political system in which power is shared between the national government and state governments
Separation of powers
Principle but divides power among the executive legislative and judicial branches of government
Checks and balances
System in which each branch of the government has the power to monitor and limit the actions of the other two
Judicial review
Power of the Supreme Court to decide whether the actions of the president or laws passed by Congress our constitutional