Annexation: Incorporation of a state into the Union.

Armistice: An agreement to cease fire while warring parties negotiate a peace settlement.

Censure: To publicly condemn an individual; in Congress, the act of censure expresses Congress's condemnation of an individual's actions and is entered into the Congressional Record.

Charter: An agreement made by a governing party that allows an institution to function for a specified period.

Deregulation: Removal of guidelines and laws governing a business or financial institution.

Electoral votes: The votes a presidential candidate receives for having won a majority of the popular vote in a state.

Land speculation: The purchase of land with the hope that its value will rise significantly in the near future.

Militia: A small military group.

Panic of 1837: A sudden downturn in the economy in 1837 that led to a rush of financial activity that further worsened the economy.

Political...