Name:_________________________
Unit 2 Test Study Guide
Overview: The Unit 2 Test will encompass all of the work we have done up to this point in the
year. Key Ideas 1-8 will be included on this test in the form of 36 multiple choice questions.
There are a couple of things that you can do to prepare for this test. Please see below.
Review Old Quizzes and Tests: Many of the questions on this test will come directly from your old tests; both
the actual questions and the concepts. STUDY YOUR TESTS!
Concepts on the Test: Below you will find all of the concepts that will be tested. They are broken up by the
Key Idea that they are related to. If you need help with any of these, please feel free to ask Mr. F !
Unit 1
Key Idea 1: The physical environment and natural resources of North and South America encouraged development of the
first human settlements and cultural systems of Native Americans. The settlements and civilizations established by Native
Americans varied widely across North and South America.
Shift from hunter/gatherer to farmer
How geography/resources impact culture
Key Idea 2: As a result of the Age of Exploration and Encounter in the 15th and 16th centuries, the Spanish, Portuguese,
French, Dutch, and eventually British developed settlements and colonies in the Americas, establishing colonial regimes
with different political, social, and economic structures
Impacts of the Columbian Exchange
Causes/Impacts of the Age of Exploration
Key Idea 3: The American colonies were established based on distinct economic, religious, or political goals. The colonists
adapted ideas from their European heritage to develop new political and religious institutions and economic systems. The
differing political, economic, and social structures of the British New England, Middle, and Southern colonies led to
regional differences among the colonies
Early colonial governments (House of Burgesses, Mayflower Compact, town meetings, etc)
Why slavery began in the Americas
The reasons that Jamestown, Maryland, Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, and Pennsylvania were founded
Key Idea 4: The slave labor system that was introduced in the Americas and the loss of Native American lives as a result
of the encounter with Europeans had a lasting impact on the development of the United States and American culture.
What the Middle Passage was
Name:_________________________
Unit 2
Key Idea 5: Growing tension over political power and economic issues fueled a desire and movement for independence
from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence summarizes American political ideas regarding rights and the
purpose of government.
Proclamation of 1763
Albany Plan of Union
What a loyalist is Stamp Act
Declaration of Independence
Pontiac’s War
Key Idea 6: The course and outcome of the American Revolution was defined by actions of both British and colonial
leaders, strategic battles, and crucial military and economic alliances.
Battle of Saratoga
Valley Forge
Lexington & Concord
Why the American’s won the Revolution
Key Idea 7: The newly independent colonies faced political and economic struggles as they worked to develop a new
government. The fundamental democratic principles of the United States Constitution, a document that is adaptable to
the evolving needs of the nation, serves as the foundation of the United States government today and outlines essential
American rights.
Why the Constitution was better than the Articles of Confederation
What the preamble to the Constitution means
Virginia Plan
New Jersey Plan
Key Idea 8: The concept of federalism – sharing power between the central government and the states – determined the
political development of the United States and produced advocates for both states’ and federal rights. The new federal
government struggled to define powers within its branches and its role in the new nation.
3 Branches of Government
First Amendment
Federalism
Vocabulary: Make sure you know the following terms that we have studied so far this year.
Primary Source
Triangular Trade
Secondary Source
Town Meeting
Columbian Exchange
Mercantilism
Plantations
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Grievance