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Articles of Confederation
This document, which acted as the nation's first constitution, limited the federal government greatly compared to modern-day. -
Judiciary Act of 1789
This act created a national court system, and it established the Supreme Court to settle disputes between federal and state laws. -
Bill of Rights
This was added to the Constitution in order to protect the rights of the citizens. -
Missouri Compromise
The Missouri Compromise admitted Maine as a free state, Missouri as a slave state, and it established the Mason-Dixon line. -
Tariff of Abominations
The Tariff of 1828 was a protective tariff that drew the ire of Southerners due to how it harmed their industry. -
Compromise of 1850
In the Compromise of 1850, California was admitted as free, New Mexico and Utah were slave states, and the Fugitive slave laws were tightened. -
Kansas-Nebraska Act
When Kansas and Nebraska were created, Stephen Douglas proposed popular sovereignty for the new states, causing internal strife in the states. -
Civil Rights Act
In 1866, African-Americans were guaranteed the same civil rights as whites, and the federal government could enforce this. -
Jones-Shafroth Act
The Jones-Shafroth Act granted U.S. citizenship to Puerto Ricans - a status they still hold today. -
19th Amendment
In 1920, women gained the right to vote in all elections nationwide.