8th Grade Final Exam Study Guide

Topic 4: Foundations of American Government

Key Concepts:

• Jury Duty:

  • Importance: Fulfilling civic duty, guaranteed by Bill of Rights.

• Freedoms in State Constitutions:

  • Rights include trial by jury, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press.

• Articles of Confederation:

  • Reasons for Rewriting: Weak central government, inability to tax, currency devaluation.

• The Great Compromise:

  • Bicameral legislature for fair representation of large and small states.

• Virginia and New Jersey Plans:

  • Commonalities: Three government branches to prevent power abuse, elected legislative representatives.

• First Amendment Rights (RAPPS):

  • Religion, Assembly, Press, Petition, Speech.

• Federalist Papers:

  • Supported Constitution by defending its benefits.

• Influence of English Bill of Rights:

  • Inspiration for U.S. Bill of Rights and trial by jury.

• James Madison:

  • "Father of the Constitution" due to his influential ideas and role in writing the Bill of Rights.

• Constitutional Amendments:

  • Greater political rights for African Americans.

• Three-Fifths Compromise:

  • Impact on Southern States: Increased costs due to counting slaves as part of the population.

Short Answer Essay:

• Civic Virtue:
  • Importance: Ensuring freedom and justice by prioritizing national needs over individual ones.

Topic 5: Early 19th Century America

Key Concepts:

• Causes of the War of 1812:

  • British armament of American Indians, seizing ships, War Hawks influence.

• Hamilton’s Tariff:

  • Northern support due to protection from foreign competition.

• Conflicts with American Indians:

  • Caused by land encroachment from white settlers.

• Jefferson vs. Hamilton:

  • Jefferson: Limited government, farming focus.
  • Hamilton: Strong central government, industrialization.

• Alien and Sedition Acts:

  • Controversial restrictions on speech and immigration.

• Impressment of Soldiers:

  • Forcing individuals into military service.

• Clay’s American System:

  • Aimed at economic unity through tariffs and infrastructure improvements.

• John Adams’ Diplomacy:

  • Maintained peace with France, against Federalist desire for war.

• Early Republic Changes:

  • Increased industry and manufacturing, changing roles for women.

• Latin American Revolutions:

  • Led to Monroe Doctrine to prevent further colonization by Europe.

Short Answer Essay:

• Neutrality Proclamation of 1793:
  • Issued by Washington to avoid European conflicts affecting U.S.

Topic 6: Westward Expansion and Sectional Conflicts

Key Concepts:

• Settlement Differences:

  • Utah: Religious refuge for Mormons.
  • California: Gold rush and economic opportunity.

• Tariff of 1828 Resolution:

  • Reduced tariff and enforcement by military threat.

• Erie Canal Impact:

  • Facilitated westward economic opportunities and trade.

• Indian Removal Act Effects:

  • Expanded slavery, displacement, and death of American Indians.

• Mountain Men Role:

  • Guided pioneers through terrain using mapped trails.

• Texas Annexation Concerns:

  • Slavery expansion and potential conflict with Mexico.

• Life in the West vs. East:

  • More job diversity for women and trappers’ economy in the West.

• Oregon Country Appeal:

  • Favorable climate and fertile land.

• Oregon Trail Life:

  • Travel: Wagons, foot.
  • Challenges: Hostility, resources scarcity, harsh conditions.

• 1824 Election Controversy:

  • "Corrupt Bargain" between Adams and Clay.

• Spoils System Issues:

  • Potential for unqualified government appointments.

• Economic Depression Under Van Buren:

  • Result of Jackson's bank policies.

• Texas Settler Tensions:

  • Religion and slavery issues.

• American Indian Cultural Blending:

  • Integration due to colonization pressures.

• Mexican-American War Causes:

  • Annexation of Texas, land disputes, and U.S. territorial ambitions.

Short Answer Essay:

• Westward Migration:
  • Driven by Manifest Destiny, economic opportunities, and transportation advancements.

Topic 7: Social Changes and Industrialization

Key Concepts:

• German Immigration Westward:

  • Seeking better lives and political freedom.

• William Lloyd Garrison:

  • Abolitionist and publisher of "The Liberator."

• Nat Turner:

  • Led a significant slave rebellion.

• Quaker Views on Slavery:

  • Opposed as a sin against equality.

• Underground Railroad:

  • A network for slave escape to freedom.

• Frederick Douglass:

  • Influential African American abolitionist and speaker.

• Industrialization Effects:

  • Increased goods production, urbanization, and poor working conditions.

• Population Impact in North:

  • Overcrowding due to industrial growth.

• Southern Industry Limitations:

  • Reliance on agriculture and small-scale production.