Key Takeaways
- Three branches: Legislative (makes laws), Executive (enforces), Judicial (interprets)
- Checks and balances prevent any branch from having too much power
- Bill of Rights = first 10 amendments, including speech, religion, and due process
- Key documents in order: Declaration (1776), Constitution (1787), Bill of Rights (1791)
- 13th Amendment abolished slavery after the Civil War
Last updated: January 2026
3.1 US History and Government
This section covers the foundations of American history and government, which represents about 45% of the Social Studies subtest.
Early American History
Native Americans:
- Diverse cultures adapted to different environments
- Eastern Woodlands, Plains, Southwest, Pacific Northwest cultures
- Had complex societies, trade networks, and governments
European Exploration and Colonization:
| Explorer | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus | 1492 | Spanish expedition to Americas |
| Jamestown | 1607 | First permanent English settlement |
| Plymouth | 1620 | Pilgrims, Mayflower Compact |
Colonial Period:
- 13 original colonies (New England, Middle, Southern)
- Reasons for colonization: religious freedom, economic opportunity
- Colonial government: assemblies, town meetings
American Revolution
Causes:
- Taxation without representation (Stamp Act, Tea Act)
- Colonial desire for self-governance
- Enlightenment ideas about natural rights
Key Documents:
| Document | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Declaration of Independence | 1776 | Declared independence from Britain |
| Articles of Confederation | 1781 | First US government (weak central power) |
| US Constitution | 1787 | Established current federal government |
Key Figures:
- George Washington: Commander-in-Chief, 1st President
- Thomas Jefferson: Primary author of Declaration
- Benjamin Franklin: Diplomat, scientist, Founding Father
The Constitution
Branches of Government:
| Branch | Function | Components |
|---|---|---|
| Legislative | Makes laws | Congress (Senate + House) |
| Executive | Enforces laws | President, Cabinet |
| Judicial | Interprets laws | Supreme Court, federal courts |
Checks and Balances:
- President can veto Congress's bills
- Congress can override vetoes (2/3 vote)
- Supreme Court can declare laws unconstitutional
- Senate confirms presidential appointments
Bill of Rights (First 10 Amendments):
| Amendment | Protection |
|---|---|
| 1st | Speech, religion, press, assembly, petition |
| 2nd | Right to bear arms |
| 4th | Protection from unreasonable searches |
| 5th | Due process, self-incrimination |
| 6th | Fair and speedy trial |
Major Historical Periods
Westward Expansion:
- Louisiana Purchase (1803)
- Manifest Destiny
- Oregon Trail, transcontinental railroad
Civil War Era:
- Causes: slavery, states' rights
- Emancipation Proclamation (1863)
- 13th Amendment abolished slavery
20th Century:
- World Wars, Great Depression
- Civil Rights Movement
- Cold War
Test Your Knowledge
Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which document was written first?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which First Amendment right protects the freedom to practice any religion?
A
B
C
D