Chapter 17 Flashcards
Caucus
an unofficial organization or consultation of like-minded people to plan a political course or advance their cause, often within some larger body.
Royalty
The share of the proceeds from work paid to an inventor, author, composer, and so on.
Default
To fail to pay a loan or interest due.
Repudiate
To refuse to accept responsibility for paying a bill or debt.
Protectorate
The relation of a strong nation to a weak one under its control and protection.
Colossus
Anything of extraordinary size and power.
Resolution
In government, a formal statement of policy or judgement by a legislature, but requiring no legal statue.
Intrigue
A plot or scheme formed by secret, underhanded means.
Parallel
In geography, the imaginary lines parallel to the earth’s equator, marking latitude
Deadlock
To completely block or stop action as a consequence of the mutual pressure of equal and opposed forces.
Dark horse
In politics, a candidate with little apparent support who unexpectedly wins a nomination or election.
Mandate
In politics, the belief that an official has been issued a clear charge by the electorate to pursue some particular policy goal.
Platform
The campaign document starting a party’s or candidate’s position on the issues, and upon which they “stand” for election.
No-man’s-land
A territory which neither of two disputing parties has clear claim and where they may meet as combatants.
Indemnity
A repayment for loss or damage inflicted.
Canada
British colony where Americans regularly aided anti-government rebels
Maine
State where “Aroostook War” was fought over a disputed boundary with Canada
Britain
Nation that strongly backed independence for Texas, hoping to turn it into an economic asset and antislavery bastion
“Conscience Whigs”
Antislavery Whigs who opposed both the Texas annexation and the Mexican War on moral grounds
Joint Resolution
Act of both houses of Congress by which Texas was annexed
54 40
Northern boundary of Oregon territory jointly occupied with Britain, advocated by Democratic party and others as a desired line of American Expansion.
Oregon Trail
2000 mile-long path along which thousands of Americans journeyed to the Willamette Valley in the 1840’s
Manifest Destiny
The widespread American belief that God had ordained the United States to occupy all the territory of North America
Liberty party
Small antislavery party that took enough votes from Henry Clay to cost him the election of 1844
49th parallel
Final compromise that settled the Oregon boundary dispute in 1846
California
Rich Mexican province that Polk tried to buy and Mexico refused to sell
Nueces River
River that Mexico claimed as the Texas-Mexico boundary, crossed by Taylor’s troops in 1846.
“spot resolutions”
Resolution offered by Congressman Abraham Lincoln demanding to know the precise location where Mexicans had allegedly shed American blood on “American” soil
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
Treaty ending Mexican War and granting territories to the United States
Wilmot Proviso
Controversial amendment, which passed the House but not the Senate, stipulating that slavery should be forbidden in territory acquired from Mexico
