Key Terms from Early American History

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Articles of Confederation

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The document outlining the first government of the 13 colonies. It created a weak national government and stronger state governments.

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Inflation

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A progressive increase in the price of goods and services resulting in a reduction of the value of currency.

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Amendments

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A change to a constitution or law.

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Legislative Branch

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The branch of government that makes the laws.

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Unicameral

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One-house legislature or a legislative branch made up of only a single group.

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Northwest Ordinance

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An achievement of the Articles of Confederation. It established a system for establishing new states in the western territories.

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Daniel Shays

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Former Revolutionary soldier from western Mass. Led an uprising against perceived abuses of government in Massachusetts.

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Debtor’s Prison

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When a person owed money and defaulted on that loan, they could be sent to prison until that loan was repaid.

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Shays’ Rebellion

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Rebellion led by Daniel Shays of farmers in western Massachusetts in 1786-1787, protesting mortgage foreclosures. It highlighted the need for a strong national government just as the call for the Constitutional Convention went out.