United States

Definition

The United States is a federal republic established in 1789, characterized by its democratic governance and a constitution that outlines the separation of powers among the branches of government. Its development has been shaped by various historical events and ideological shifts, influencing both its domestic policies and foreign relations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The United States was formed after the American Revolution, leading to the establishment of a unique constitutional democracy that influenced other nations.
2. The Bill of Rights, added to the Constitution in 1791, guaranteed essential freedoms and protections for individuals against government overreach.
3. Throughout the 19th century, the U.S. expanded westward, driven by ideologies such as Manifest Destiny, which justified territorial expansion.
4. The Civil War (1861-1865) resulted from sectional conflicts regarding slavery and states' rights, fundamentally reshaping the nation and leading to Reconstruction efforts.
5. Post-World War II, the United States emerged as a global superpower, shaping international relations and participating in major global conflicts like the Cold War.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the United States' Constitution reflect Enlightenment ideals?
  • The U.S. Constitution was heavily influenced by Enlightenment thinkers who advocated for principles such as separation of powers, checks and balances, and individual rights. These ideas were embedded in the Constitution to prevent tyranny and ensure a government accountable to its citizens. The incorporation of a Bill of Rights further reflected Enlightenment beliefs by explicitly protecting civil liberties against government infringement.
• Analyze how Manifest Destiny influenced U.S. foreign policy and domestic expansion in the 19th century.
  • Manifest Destiny was a driving ideology that justified U.S. territorial expansion across North America during the 19th century. It shaped foreign policy decisions, leading to actions like the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of Oregon Territory through negotiations with Britain. Domestically, it intensified conflicts over slavery as new states entered the Union, setting the stage for sectional tensions that contributed to the Civil War.
• Evaluate the impact of Reconstruction on African American rights and societal structures in the United States.
  • Reconstruction aimed to integrate formerly enslaved individuals into society and grant them civil rights, resulting in significant legislative changes like the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments. These amendments sought to establish legal equality and protect voting rights for African Americans. However, despite these advancements, systemic racism persisted, leading to discriminatory laws like Jim Crow that undermined these gains and established segregation, showcasing a complicated legacy of Reconstruction.

Related terms

Constitution:

The foundational legal document of the United States, establishing the framework for government and protecting individual rights.

Manifest Destiny:

The 19th-century doctrine that it was the divine right and destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America.

Civil Rights Movement:

A social movement in the mid-20th century aimed at ending racial discrimination and securing equal rights for African Americans in the United States.