Key Figures and Concepts in American History

Bill of Rights

• The first 10 amendments to the Constitution.

• A document outlining the structure of government.

• A list of the original 13 colonies.

• A treaty between the United States and France.

Trail of Tears

• A forced relocation of Cherokee Indians by U.S. troops resulting in the death of over 4,000 people.

• A peaceful migration of Cherokee Indians to new lands in the west.

• A treaty signed between the U.S. government and the Cherokee Nation.

• A celebration of Cherokee culture and heritage in the 19th century.

Who is in the Judicial Branch?

• Courts, specifically the Supreme Court;

• The President and his Cabinet;

• The Senate and the House of Representatives;

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI);

Mexican Cession

• The Guadalupe Hidalgo Treaty was signed, and America received the land for 15 million dollars.

• The Mexican Cession was a result of the Spanish-American War.

• The land was acquired through a peaceful negotiation without conflict.

• The Mexican Cession involved the purchase of land from Canada.

Thomas Jefferson

• The 3rd President of the United States, who bought the Louisiana Purchase from France and sent Lewis and Clark on their trip.

• The first President of the United States who led the country during the American Revolution.

• The author of the Declaration of Independence who was also a prominent Federalist.

• The 2nd President of the United States known for his role in the War of 1812.

Purpose of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

• To explore the area between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean, find a way to the Pacific Ocean, and map and journal about their trip.

• To establish trade routes with Native American tribes in the Midwest.

• To find gold and silver in the western territories.

• To create a military outpost in the Pacific Northwest.

What does the Legislative Branch do?

• Creates Laws, collects taxes

• Enforces laws and regulations

• Interprets laws and administers justice

• Conducts foreign affairs and treaties

What does the Executive Branch do?

• Enforces the laws, appoints Judges to the Supreme Court, heads the armed forces

• Creates laws and regulations

• Interprets the laws and administers justice

• Manages state budgets and finances

What does the Judicial Branch do?

• Enforces the laws passed by the legislature

• Interprets the laws and settles legal disputes

• Creates new laws and regulations

• Advises the President on legal matters

Daniel Boone

• A famous American author known for his novels.

• One of the first people to cross the Appalachians and help settle the West.

• A renowned scientist who studied the stars.

• A military leader during the American Civil War.