Unit 7 Vocabulary 

Bank War:  The Bank War refers to the political and financial conflict that took place in the 1830s between President Andrew Jackson and the Second Bank of the United States. Jackson believed that the bank had too much power and favored the wealthy elite over the common people. He vetoed the rechartering of the bank, which led to a withdrawal of federal funds and the eventual demise of the institution. The Bank War had a profound impact on the nation's economy and politics, setting the stage for future debates over the role of the federal government in regulating banks and the distribution of wealth.

Corrupt Bargain:  In the early 19th century, after the 1824 presidential election, the United States experienced a controversial event known as the Corrupt Bargain. It refers to alleged political dealings that took place between Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams. During that election, no candidate received a majority of electoral votes, leading to a "deadlock" in the House of Representatives. Henry Clay, who was Speaker of the House at the time, used his influence to support Adams, who eventually won the presidency. Many believed that Clay's support came at a price, leading to accusations of a secret deal or bargain. This event sparked public outrage and criticism of the American political system, ultimately shaping future elections and the importance of transparency in government.

Indian Removal Act:  Indian Removal Act was a law passed in 1830 that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States. This act was driven by the belief in Manifest Destiny and the desire for westward expansion. Under this act, Native Americans, including the Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Seminole tribes, were forcibly removed from their lands and forced to march along the infamous Trail of Tears. Many Native Americans suffered greatly during this forced relocation, and thousands lost their lives due to harsh conditions and disease. The Indian Removal Act remains a dark chapter in American history, highlighting the ongoing struggle for indigenous rights and the impact of westward expansion on Native American communities.

Nullification Crisis:  In the early 19th century, the United States faced a significant challenge known as the Nullification Crisis. This crisis emerged due to a disagreement between the federal government and the state of South Carolina over the issue of tariffs. Tariffs were taxes imposed on imported goods, and they were a source of revenue for the federal government. However, South Carolina believed that these tariffs were unfair and detrimental to their economy. In response, they claimed the right to nullify, or reject, these federal laws within their state borders. This assertion of state power against federal authority created a tense standoff. President Andrew Jackson firmly opposed nullification and threatened to use force to uphold federal laws. Ultimately, a compromise was reached, and armed conflict was avoided. The Nullification Crisis highlighted the ongoing struggle between states' rights and federal authority, leaving a lasting impact on the development of the United States.

Spoils System:  In the early 19th century, Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States, implemented a controversial political practice known as the Spoils System. This system involved rewarding loyal supporters with government positions, regardless of their qualifications or experience. Jackson believed that this system would ensure a more democratic government and allow more people to participate in politics. However, critics argued that it led to corruption and incompetence in government offices. Despite the controversy, the Spoils System became a defining feature of Jackson's presidency and had a lasting impact on American politics

Worcester v. Georgia (Literary Nonfiction)

Worcester v. Georgia:  In 1832, the Supreme Court case of Worcester v. Georgia played a significant role in shaping the relationship between Native American tribes and the United States government. The case revolved around the Cherokee Nation's fight to maintain their sovereignty and control over their ancestral lands in Georgia. Samuel Worcester, a missionary living among the Cherokee, was convicted for living in Cherokee territory without a state license. However, Worcester appealed his conviction, arguing that the state of Georgia had no authority over Cherokee lands. The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, ruled in favor of Worcester, stating that the Cherokee Nation was a distinct political community with the right to self-governance and control over their land. This decision recognized Native American tribes as separate nations and affirmed their tribal sovereignty. Despite the court's ruling, President Andrew Jackson refused to enforce the decision, leading to the forcible removal of the Cherokee people from their homeland in the tragic event known as the Trail of Tears. The Worcester v. Georgia case stands as an important moment in American history, highlighting the ongoing struggle for Native American rights and the complexities of the relationship between tribes and the U.S. government.

12th Amendment:  The 12th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified on June 15, 1804. This amendment addresses the process of electing the President and Vice President of the United States. Prior to the 12th Amendment, the presidential candidate with the most electoral votes became the President, while the candidate with the second-highest number of votes became the Vice President. However, this led to complications and disagreements. The 12th Amendment introduced a new system where electors cast separate votes for President and Vice President. It also laid out the procedures for the Electoral College and the House of Representatives in case no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes. Through the 12th Amendment, the framers aimed to ensure a more efficient and stable presidential election process.