The Articles of Confederation was the first constitution between the first American states that stated the need of a loose federal government before it was changed in 1789.

The first ten amendments to the US constitution, ratified in 1791 and guaranteeing rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, and worship.

Counterbalancing influences by which an organization or system is regulated, typically those ensuring that political power is not concentrated in the hands of individuals or groups.

Dred Scott sued for his freedom after he moved to a free state then was forced back into slavery when he moved back to a slave state. The Supreme Court ruled that a slave who had resided in a free state was not entitled to his freedom.

The proclamation declared, 'all persons held as slaves within any States, or designated part of the State, the people whereof shall be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.'

The first woman's rights convention to be held in the US, held in New York, where the Declaration of Sentiments was created.

An agreement so that large and small states could have equal power, giving all states equal representation in Congress.

Supporters of a strong national government and a national bank, typically wealthier individuals such as bankers and plantation owners.

Supporters of a strong state government who opposed the need for a national bank, primarily composed of farmers and tradesmen.

A proposal for a bicameral legislative branch that favored larger states by allowing representation based on population.

A proposal for a unicameral legislative branch that favored smaller states by allowing equal representation regardless of population.

The supreme law of the United States, established in 1789, which replaced the Articles of Confederation.

A social and political push to end slavery in the United States.

A social movement against the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

A document created at the Seneca Falls Convention that outlined the rights women should be entitled to as citizens.

An agreement that allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance of power.

A bank chartered by the federal government, proposed by Federalists to stabilize and improve the nation's credit.

Organizations that represent different ideologies and interests in the political system, such as the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

The official way to confirm something, usually by vote, such as the ratification of the Constitution.

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality.

A meeting in 1787 where the Constitution was created to replace the Articles of Confederation.

The right to vote in political elections.

An act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler.

The branch of government responsible for making laws, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws, headed by the President.

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice.

The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

The manufacturing and jobs in the North were characterized by employed people earning salaries, unlike the South which relied on slave labor.

The 7th president of the United States of America, known for paying off the national debt and controversial policies like the Indian Removal Act.

An act passed on May 30, 1854, allowing people to choose whether slavery was permitted in their borders, leading to violent conflicts known as Bleeding Kansas.

A land acquisition from France in 1803 by Thomas Jefferson for $15 million, which doubled the size of the United States.

A U.S. policy delivered by James Monroe in December 1823, asserting that the Americas were off-limits to European colonization.

Legislation created by Congress to establish self-governing laws for new states, promoting equal settlement and freedom.

The Anti-Federalists opposed the Constitution, arguing it threatened liberties and lacked a Bill of Rights, which was later added.

The branch of government that approves laws made by the legislative branch and has the power to veto them.

The branch that interprets laws and can declare them unconstitutional.

The branch of government that makes laws and includes Congress.

The forced relocation of Native Americans from their homelands, resulting in significant suffering and death.

A series of violent confrontations in Kansas between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.

Individuals who advocated for the end of slavery in the United States.

An abolitionist who believed in armed insurrection as a means to end slavery.

Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong national government.

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.

The third president of the United States, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and responsible for the Louisiana Purchase.

The total amount of money that a country's government has borrowed and not yet repaid.

The average citizens who supported Andrew Jackson during his presidency.

The ability of a state or community to govern itself without external control.

The supreme law of the United States, outlining the framework of government and rights of the citizens.

A conflict in the United States from 1861 to 1865, primarily over issues of slavery and states' rights.

The diplomatic relationship established through the Louisiana Purchase, enhancing U.S. power and territory.

The act of establishing control over a foreign territory and its people.

The national government of the United States, which has authority over the entire country.

Laws enacted by a legislative body.

The power of the president to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Rights granted to individuals by the Constitution, which are protected from government infringement.

A United States federal government agency established in 1865 that freed slaves.

Laws passed by congress to help former black slaves and poor whites in the south, aimed at reducing the influence of freed blacks.

The Mexican War boosted America's pride and encouraged the idea of Manifest Destiny.

Senators Clay, Calhoun, and Webster, who dominated American politics for much of the first half of the 19th century.

An agreement on how to count the population of slaves, deciding that 3 out of every 5 slaves would be counted for representation.

Houses and other places used by abolitionists to help slaves escape to freedom in the northern states or Canada before the Civil War.

A proposal for a two-house congress with representation based on population and a stronger national government.

A proposal for a one-house congress with equal representation for each state.

A letter written by George Washington after his second term, providing advice and establishing precedents for future governance.

A diplomatic incident in the late 1700s where the French demanded a tribute from the U.S. to stop attacking American trade ships.