Essay 2 - American Individuality And Uniqueness Flashcards
Articles of Confederation
Drafted in 1777 ratified in 1781 - by
Consisted on one house congress, each state has 1 vote, no president, no judiciary, decisions required 9 of 13 votes. Can declare war, conduct foreign affairs, and make treaties.
Could not levy taxes, regulate commerce, amendments had to be unanimous.
The constitution
Ratified in 1788 - written by Thomas Jefferson,
Created 2 house congress(legislature-to levy taxes, borrow money, regulate commerce, declare war, deal with foreign affairs), president (executive- enforce laws, command military), and Federal Judges (judiciary- ). Middle Ground between Monarchy and aristocracy. 2/3’s majority needed for amendments, Created fugitive slave law, protected slave trade for 20 yrs, provided 3/5’s compromise.
Federalist papers
1788 - written by Hamilton, Madison and Jay.
A series of 85 essays that later became a book explaining and encouraging the need for a federal government.
The bill of rights
1791 - first 10 amendments to the constitution.
Freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial, originally not in the constitution were in the first ten amendments called the bill of rights.
David Ramsey - The History of American Revolution
1789 - Member of continental congress from South Carolina
States that representation elected by the people and the ability to amend laws was a very unique way of government because with representation elected by a member of their population would fairly represent that population, and amendments based on new discoveries and better experience with the government was necessary.
Manifest Destiny
1845 John O’Sullivan coins the term. The belief that the United States would one day reach from one coast to the other in size.
Unique and individual because:
1)because it was eventually achieved despite the territory was already inhabited by Indians, France and Mexico. 2) Because of its treacherous terrain of mountains rivers and long stretches of desert which Americans were able to conquer making canals and railroad tracks for transportation.
Naturalization of non-whites in America
Before 1870 only Europeans (whites) were eligible for naturalization, Blacks were eligible in 1870, Asians in 1940’s, and Native Americans in 1924.
Alien and Sedition Acts
1798 drafted by John Adams - that gave government the power to deport non citizens deemed dangerous to federal authority (who opposed federal ideas), and could prosecute others that spoke against the government. This is an example of internal threats of Liberty that were ultimately stopped by the election of another president (Jefferson) who pardoned all the people prosecuted under these acts.
The Louisiana Purchase
1803 - Purchase that doubled the size of America. Purchased from France and an example of manifest destiny. Also an example of how the president can step outside of the authorities given to a president by the constitution. But still ok because it was unanimously agreed by most congress. It also eliminated France (potential threat) from American borders, received New Orleans which was essential as a trade port.
Louis and Clark expedition
1804-1806 funded by Jefferson, is an example of how knowledge and education was important to dominate as a nation.
Barbary Wars
1801-1804 War against the Barbary states on the North coast of Africa. Example of how a Federal Government helped with foreign affairs to protect against “terrorism”.
War of 1812
Vs Britain because they were taking trade ships and “impressing” US sailors. This is an example of presidents power to protect and declare war. This also cause the US to get rid of all threats close to its borders and gave it a chance to concentrate on improving economy and education.
Industrial Revolution
First half of the 18th century - using new crop inventions like the steamboat, canals, the telegraphs and railroads boomed transportation and communication for industry. As well as cotton gin in the south, and the steel plow and reaper.
The Monroe doctorine
1823 - John Quincy Adams - it stated that European countries were no longer welcome to try to colonize the Americas. An example of foreign policy and
George Washington - Farewell address
1796 - set a precedence of 8 year term and how authority is not to take advantage of. And to stay away from the troubles of other nations.
