Early Republic - Political Landscape Flashcards
Who was George Washington?
- The first president of the United States.
- Set a precedent for presidency and the new government leading with unity and moderation
What does Washington warn against in his Farewell Address?
*Forming political parties as it could weaken governance and promote division among the populace.
* Becoming too involved in foreign affairs. Recommend that U.S stayed neutral.
Who was Alexander Hamilton?
A Founding Father and the first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, who played a crucial role in shaping the financial system and political landscape of the new republic.
What did Hamilton desire for America?
- A strong central government
- Economic development
- A national bank
Federalist desires
*Favored the Constitution
* Wanted a strong central government maintaining order and ensuring the country’s survival.
* Favored a national bank.
* Focus on trade and manufacturing.
* Loose interpretation of the Constitution (more flexible interpretation )
Who was Thomas Jefferson?
The third President of the United States and a principal author of the Declaration of Independence, known for his strong advocacy of individual liberties and democratic principles.
Democratic-Republicans
- Focus on agriculture, farming, and rural life.
- A weaker central government and stronger state governments.
- Emphasis on states’ rights
- Had a strict interpretation of the Constitution (not up to interpretation).
What is the Assumption Plan?
A part of Hamilton’s economic theory that stated the federal government would assume all the states’ debts for the American Revolution. This angered Southern states such as Virginia who had already paid off their debts.
What was the Whiskey Rebellion?
A violent protest from 1791 to 1794, primarily in Western Pennsylvania, against the federal excise tax on whiskey.
Who was John Adams?
The second President of the United States, serving from 1797 to 1801, and a key figure in the founding of the nation. He was a part of the Federalist Party. His presidency was notable by domestic challenges and foreign policy issues he made, including the Quasi-War with France and the Alien & Sedition Acts.
What was the XYZ Affair?
Adams sent diplomats to France to negotiate peace amid growing tensions. The French agents, referred to as X, Y, & Z in documents, demanded bribes and loans before any negotiations could occur, leading to public outrage in the U.S. The incident sparked debates over national defense and foreign policy.
What were the Alien & Sedition Acts?
A series of four laws enacted in 1798 that aimed to restrict the activities of foreign residents in the United States and limit free speech. These acts were primarily motivated by fears of war with France and to silence the federalist’s biggest opposition, the Democratic-Republicans.
What was the Alien Act?
The president has the authority to arrest, relocate, or deportation of any male over the age of 14 deemed dangerous.
What was the Sedition Act?
Made it a crime to publish false or malicious writing against the government, leading to several prosecutions of journalists and opposition members.
What were Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions
Political statements drafted in 1798 and 1799, asserting that states had the right to nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional. These resolutions were a response to the Alien and Sedition Acts
