George Washington/John Adams Flashcards
Federal Judiciary Act of 1789
Established the federal court system, including the Supreme Court, district courts, and circuit courts. Gave the Supreme Court power to settle disputes between states
Precedent
An action or decision that later serves as an example
George Washington’s Cabinet
- Alexander Hamilton (Treasury): Managed the economy
- Thomas Jefferson (State): Handled foreign affairs
- Henry Knox (War): Led the military
- Edmund Radolph (Attorney General): Advised on legal matters
Alexander Hamilton’s Economic Plan
Goal: Strengthen the U.S. economy
* Establish National Bank
* Tariffs (taxes on imports)
* Assumption of state debts
The Whiskey Rebellion (1794)
Farmers rebelled against a tax on whiskey. Washington sent militia to stop the revolt, proving the new government could enforce its laws
Proclamation of Neutrality (1793)
Stated the U.S. would not take sides with any European countries that were at war, specifically France & Britain
Federalist Party
Led by Hamilton, supported:
* Strong federal government
* Industry & trade
* Loose interpretation of the Constitution
* Close ties with Britain
Democratic-Republican Party
Led by Jefferson & Madison, supported:
* Strong state governments
* Agriculture & rural life
* Strict interpretation of the Constitution
* Close ties with France
Washington’s Farewell Address (1796)
Warnings:
a. Avoid political parties
b. Stay neutral in foreign affairs
c. Beware of sectionalism
The XYZ Affair (1797-1798)
French officials (XYZ) demanded bribes from U.S. diplomats before negotiations. Led to aint-French sentiment and an undeclared naval war (Quasi-War)
The Alien & Sedition Acts (1798)
- Made it harder for immigrants to become citizens
- Allowed the President to deport foreigners
- Punished critics of the government, violating free speech
Naturalization Act
Increased the waiting time for becoming a U.S. citizen from 5 years to 14 years (could prevent voting rights)
Alien Act
President can expel a foreigner thought to be dangerous to the peace and safety of the country in peace time
Sedition Act
Citizens could be fined or jailed if they criticized the government (violated 1st amendment)
Alien Enemies Act
In wartime arrest, imprison, and deport any alien subject to enemy power
The Kentucky & Virginia Resolutions (1798)
States had rights that the federal government could not violate. (State’s Rights Theory) Written by Jefferson & Madison
Pres. George Washington (1789-1797)
Set many presidential precedents (2 terms, Cabinet)
Led troops during the Whiskey Rebellion to show government strength
Pres. John Adams (1797-1801)
XYZ Affair = France demanded bribes from U.S. diplomats
Alien & Sedition Acts = Limited free speech and made it harder for immigrants to become citizens
