Canvas by Jerrick Deng

Enlightenment

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:30:58 UTC

Began during the 18th century and emphasize the use of reason over blind assumptions. This prompted the growth of independent ideas, philosophies, and forms of government.

Separation of Powers

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:31:15 UTC

The division of control across multiple facets. More specifically, with help from the Constitution, the division of power would be into 3 branches: Judicial, Executive, and Legislative. They each play an important role in the US government. An example of an interaction may be seen in how the legislative branch makes laws, the executive branch enforces the laws, and the judicial branch interprets the laws.

Declaration of Independence

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:31:22 UTC

An official document which was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4th. It officialized the independence of the United States of America from Great Britain, severing political affiliations and putting forth the motives behind the creation of the country.

Natural Rights

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:31:29 UTC

A poignant aspect of John Locke's philosophies. Described as the inalienable rights all human beings have and that must not be taken away. Especially includes the rights to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness or Property. This would be heavily considered and implemented within the constitution of the United States of America

Articles of Confederation

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:31:36 UTC

A start in creating a government for the United States of America which was in effect from 1781 to 1789. It would consist of independent states and their government. This meant the central government would be weak so this system was soon replaced by the constitution.

Great Compromise

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:38:06 UTC

In a struggle for representation, American states would try to get representation to go one of two ways: by population, or by the number of states because of their differences in population. To compensate for both sides, the great compromise of 1787 was established which would create two houses; one according to population, and the other according to states.

Federalism

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:38:15 UTC

A form of government in which power is divided between a central government and the regional governments. Each of the governments may have their own respective roles or may also share certain responsibilities.

Monroe Doctrine

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:39:21 UTC

An official announcement in 1823 to countries outside of the Americans to convey that the American continents are no longer open to colonialism. The Monroe Doctrine allowed for the United States of America to exapnd drastically.

Mormons

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:40:22 UTC

The Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who were being harassed and had their founder, Joseph Smith, killed in Illinois, 1844, prompting them to flee to Utah.

Second Great Awakening

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:40:30 UTC

A shift in perspective occurring from the late 18th to early 19th century in the United States and sought reforms in prisons, slavery, temperance, women's rights, and care for the disabled.

Abolitionist

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:40:40 UTC

An abolitionist is anyone that opposes slavery and wants it to end. Within the United States, abolitionists were typically from the northern states where slaves were outlawed and unneeded. This would conflict with the ideals of the southern states which needed slaves to economically survive.

Quakers

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:40:46 UTC

A group of people who believed in a religion of historically Christian denomination. This group was also the first religious movement against slavery and prohibited members of the religion from owning slaves.

Reconstruction

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:40:52 UTC

An era following the Civil War in which the questions of how to reconcile the northern and southern states and how to incorporate former slaves into society arose after abolishing slavery starting around 1863.

Bill of Rights

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:41:12 UTC

The Bill of Rights are the first Ten Amendments of the constitution and it aims to guarantee and protect basic human rights, freedoms, and liberties. In summary, they protect your freedom of speech, life, and your rights in cases of crime. It was also the capstone before the ratification of the constitution.

Free Exercise Clause

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:41:20 UTC

A clause within the first amendment that emphasizes the freedom for an individual to follow any religion they want. This would allow for diversity among the people of the young nation of America

Establishment Clause

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:41:26 UTC

A clause within the first amendment that states that governments cannot take any side regarding religion in hopes of allowing a space where all religions are recognized equally in the face of law.

First Amendment

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:41:32 UTC

The amendment that states that no law can restrict an individual's ability to believe in any religion and speak and express themselves freely. This allows for constructive criticism and is especially vital in democratic governments which is what the United States of America have always been. This amendment allows for the voting of people for the nation which is exactly what the nation depends on.

13th Amendment

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:41:39 UTC

Ratified 1865, the 13th Amendment makes clear that slavery is illegal and involuntary servitude is prohibited except in cases that it is used as punishment. Despite this, racism still remained. This amendment was released during the era of reconstruction and was critical in incorporating former slaves into American society.

14th Amendment

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:41:44 UTC

Ratified 1868, the 14th amendment that states anyone is capable of being a citizen, that anyone born within the borders of the United States of America is a citizen, and that every citizen has equal rights. Despite this, societal segregation still remained. Instances such as the Jim Crow Laws would further divide the races in America by separating even the basic liberties of the people. This amendment was released during the era of reconstruction and was critical in incorporating former slaves into American society.

15th Amendment

47298_5 — 2024-06-14 23:41:50 UTC

Ratified 1870, the 15th Amendment states that every citizen should be able to vote regardless of race, color, or previous status of servitude (slavery). This amendment was released during the era of reconstruction and was critical in incorporating former slaves into American society. Despite this, there would still be many efforts to discourage African Americans from voting. Things that would cause this disenfranchisement would include poll taxes, literacy tests, and the grandfather clause.