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A series of four laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party. -
A document that established the principle of the rule of the law and limited government of English monarchy -
the first permanent English settlement in North America. -
A document signed by passengers on the Mayflower before they disembarked in Plymouth, Massachusetts -
a British-issued order that prohibited Anglo-American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. -
The American Revolution (also known as the American War of Independence), leading to the formation of the United States.
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British law that imposed taxes on various goods, including sugar, molasses, and other items imported into the American colonies. -
The Stamp Act was a British parliamentary measure passed in March 1765 that imposed a direct tax on paper, dice, playing cards and American colonies -
A series of British laws passed in 1767 that imposed taxes on goods imported into the American colonies. -
Aimed to rescue the financially struggling British East India Company by granting it a monopoly on tea sales in the American colonies. -
a gathering of delegates from twelve of the thirteen American colonies to address growing concerns about British policies, particularly the Intolerable Acts -
The meetings of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that united in support of the American Revolution and Revolutionary War, which established American independence. -
A foundational document of the United states declaring the thirteen American colonies -
a meeting of delegates from five states (New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia) to discuss issues of interstate trade -
The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was a pivotal event in American history where delegates from 12 of the 13 states (Rhode Island did not attend) convened in Philadelphia to address the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first governing document -
The United States Constitution is the fundamental, written framework for the U.S. federal government. It establishes the structure and powers of the government, divides power between the federal government and the states, and outlines the basic rights of the people. -
Washington's election set a critical precedent for the peaceful transfer of power in the new American republic. His leadership and actions during his two terms helped establish the foundations of the presidency and the federal government. -
This amendment protects fundamental rights religion rights and specifically the freedom of speech, the press, assembly and the right to petition for government -
The Third Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, prohibits the government from quartering soldiers in private homes without the owner's consent during peacetime, and during wartime only "in a manner prescribed by law". -
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. -
The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outlines several fundamental rights related to legal proceedings, particularly in criminal cases. It protects against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and guarantees due process of law. -
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms, playing a significant role in debates about gun control and individual liberties. Ratified in 1791, it is a part of the Bill of Rights, which guarantees fundamental freedoms. -
The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees several rights to individuals facing criminal prosecution. -
The 7th Amendment to the US Constitution ensures the right to a jury trial in certain civil cases in federal courts. -
The 8th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1791, prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishments. -
The 10th Amendment to the US Constitution reserves powers not delegated to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, to the states respectively, or to the people. -
The Ninth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, addresses concerns that explicitly listing certain rights might imply that other rights not listed are not protected. It serves as a constitutional safety net, asserting that the enumeration of specific rights in the Constitution should not be interpreted to "deny or disparage others retained by the people". -
limits the ability of individuals to sue states in federal court -
For $15 million, the U.S. doubled its size, gaining over 828,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River. This territory included land that would eventually become fifteen states. -
The Twelfth Amendment, ratified in 1804, revised the U.S. presidential election process by requiring electors to cast separate ballots for President and Vice President. -
a period of massive migration to California triggered by the discovery of gold. -
A conflict between the United States (the Union) and the Confederate States of America, formed by states that seceded from the Union.
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It focused on rebuilding the nation, particularly the South, and integrating formerly enslaved people into society. This period involved complex political, social, and legal transformations, including efforts to redefine citizenship, guarantee civil rights, and establish new state governments.
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The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution officially abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for a crime for which a person has been duly convicted. -
a landmark amendment focused on citizenship, equal protection, and due process. It primarily addresses rights and liberties for formerly enslaved people and ensures these rights are protected at the state level. -
prohibits the federal and state governments from denying citizens the right to vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude" -
a period of rapid economic growth and transformation in the United States, particularly between the Civil War and the early 20th century
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a period of widespread social and political reform aimed at addressing the negative consequences of industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption.