A

abolition:

The prohibition of slavery.

academy:

A high school or college where special subjects are taught.

alien:

A person who holds citizenship in one country but resides in a different country.

amendment:

A formal change to a legal document, such as the U.S. Constitution.

American Revolution:

The American colonies' battle to achieve independence from Great Britain that took place from 1775 to 1783.

Anti-Federalists:

Those who opposed the U.S. Constitution during its ratification process in 1787 and 1788 because they preferred to have a weak central government with most governing powers held by the states.

aristocracy:

A government or ruling class made up of royalty and wealthy individuals.

B

Bill of Rights:

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, identifying certain basic rights that the government cannot take away from U.S. citizens.

blockade:

Barriers positioned at a seaport entrance to prevent ships...