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Midterms: Social Studies Quarters #1 & 2
Middle school social studies...
31
History
8th Grade
01/19/2010

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Cards

Term
What is checks and balances?
Definition
It's the system in which every branch of government has a check on the other branches so that no one branch becomes too powerful.
Term
Define constitution.
Definition
A formal plan of government
Term
What is federalism?
Definition
It is the sharing of power between federal and state governments.
Term
Define judicial review.
Definition
The right of the Supreme Court to determine if a law violates the Constitution.
Term
What is a mercenary?
Definition
A mercenary is a paid soldier who serves in the army of a foreign country.
Term
Define ratify.
Definition
To give official approval to
Term
Define veto.
Definition
To reject a bill and prevent it from becoming a law
Term
What are the Articles of Confederation?
Definition
The original plan of government of the United States, signed by Congress in November 1777
Term
What is the Bill of Rights?
Definition
The document that listed the basic liberty and freedoms of individual rights of the United States, added to the Constitution in 1791
Term
What is the Great Compromise?
Definition
An agreement between the government to create a two-house legislature; the House of Representatives' number of members depended on the state's population, while the Senate would have 2 members from every state
Term
What is the Northwest Ordinance?
Definition
The law passed in 1787 that created a single Northwest territory out of lands north of the Ohio River and Mississippi River; stated that the land would be divided up into smaller territories, which could become a state once their population reached 60,000; included a bill of rights for the citizens that lived there, and outlawed slavery in these territories
Term
What is the Three-fifths Compromise?
Definition
The agreement between the delegates to count a slave as 3/5ths of a free person for both taxation and representation
Term
What is the Treaty of Paris?
Definition
The document signed by American delegates and Great Britain on September 3rd, 1783; officially ended the American Revolution. Great Britain recognized the U.S. as an independent nation and agreed to withdrawal of troops; the U.S. agreed to pay debt owed to Britain, and to return property taken from Loyalists
Term
What were the 6 goals listed in the Preamble of the Constitution?
Definition

  1. To form a more perfect union
  2. Establish justice
  3. Ensure domestic tranquility
  4. Provide for the common good
  5. Promote general welfare
  6. To secure the Blessings of Liberty for ourselves and our Posterity

Term
What role did African Americans play in the Revolutionary War?
Definition
Some sided with Loyalists and Britain because they were offered their freedom in return for their support. By the end of the war, every state except South Carolina allowed African Americans to fight.
Term
Who were the Hessians in the War?
Definition
The Hessians were German mercenaries hired to fight for the British
Term
What role did women play in the Revolutionary War?
Definition
They assisted Patriot forces as soldiers in disguise or assisted men in the camps. They also worked on the home front!
Term
Who were the Federalists?
Definition
People who supported the new constitution
Term
Who were the Antifederalists?
Definition
They were people that opposed the ratification of the new constitution because they worried it would create a strong central government, ignore the will of the people, and favor the wealthy over the common people.
Term
Describe the Battle of Lexington and Concord.
Definition
The Americans won. They were the first two battles of the war.
Term
Describe the Battle of Bunkerhill.
Definition
The British won, but they suffered heavy losses. More than 1,000 were dead and wounded.
Term
Describe the Battle of Trenton.
Definition
The Americans won. Washington and his troops were able to catch British troops off guard and captured more than 900 Hessians.
Term
Describe the Battle of Saratoga.
Definition
The Americans won. General Horatio Gates' victory over Burgoyne resulted in France declaring war on Britain. General Burgoyne stepped down, and was replaced by General Henry Clinton.
Term
Describe the Battle of Yorktown.
Definition
The Americans won. With aid of the French troops and navy, colonists attacked. Washington and his troops camped at Yorktown and won the last battle of the War.
Term
What is the legislative branch?
Definition
Made up of Congress- House of Representatives (based on population) and the Senate (2). Can collect tax, coin money, regulate trade, declare war, raise an army, and make laws.
Term
What is the executive branch?
Definition
Made up of the President, Vice President, and Electoral College. The President is in charge of armed forces and relationships with foreign countries. The Electoral college can elect the P and VP.
Term
What is the judicial branch?
Definition
Made up of the Court System. Can hear cases involving the Constitution.
Term
What role did the French play in the Revolution?
Definition
  • Joined colonial forces after American victory at Saratoga
  • Worked out good agreement/alliance with America
  • Declared war on Britain
  • Sent soldiers, equipment, and Boars to aid Patriots
Term
What role did the Spanish play in the Revolutionary War?
Definition

  • Declared war on Britain in 1779
  • Governor of Louisiana, Bernado de Galvez, raised an army
  • His soldiers forced troops from Baton Rouge and Natchet
  • Captured British forts at Mobile and Pensacola

Term
According the Articles of Confederation, how many states are needed to ratify a document/law?
Definition
13 states
Term
According to the Constitution, how many states need to ratify a document/law?
Definition
9/13 states
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