Test 4 Flashcards
Why was John Adams a well known figure in the US?
role in the american revolution (he also served as our first vice president under George Washington)
Who was John Adams’ main opponent in the election of 1796?
Thomas Jefferson–> he worked with Adams in Washington’s cabinet
How was this campaign different from modern campaigns?
Adams did not campaign himself, but his party promoted him throughout the country
Where did Adams fare well in the election? where did he not farewell?
Adams dominates the Northern states (pro business)
Jefferson dominates the Southern states (pro agriculture)
How was the vice president chosen?
Whoever came in second
What issue did the US start to have with France? What caused this?
- France very upset with the Jay Treaty, which supported the British at the expense of the French.
- In retaliation, the French began to seize American ships headed for Britain.
How did Adams attempt to avoid war with France?
- He sent diplomats to France to negotiate a deal with he French
- The French respond by sending diplomats to America
How did the XYZ Affair begin?
3 French diplomats demand payment from the American government before negotiations could begin.
What were the demands of the French?
a $250 thousand bribe to the French minister and a $12 million loan to the French government.
How did the US respond to this demand?
Many called for war against France
How did Adams respond?
Adams refused to declare war
What was the Quasi war?
An undeclared war was fought between American ships and French pirates for the next two years.
Why did the XYZ Affair lead to the passing of the of the Alien and Sedition Acts?
We were angry with the French
How did Adams upset both prominent political parties?
- Adams refused to declare war with France–> Federalists
- His passing of the Alien and Sedition Acts–> Jeffersonians
Who promoted the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions?
Thomas Jefferson
What did the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions state?
an individual state has the right to nullify a federal law
When was the Constitution signed?
September 17, 1787
What to happen after the constitution was signed?
ratification by the states
what were the two political groups that emerged?
- Federalists (pro constitution)
- Anti Federalists (Anti Constitution)
Why were some people concerned with the Constitution?
- Federal government being too powerful
- Lack of States’ rights
- no protection of individual liberties
- a government that favored the wealthy
When did the ratification debates begin?
1788-89
How many states needed to ratify it?
9
Which states were the Federalists most concerned with getting to ratify it? Why?
The “Big Four”–> VA, MA, PA, NY (They would have the most influence)
Who was Alexander Hamilton?
Founding father from NY–> becomes a leading federalist
Where did Hamilton live? How did this influence him?
NY, state government is really corrupt, it acts like a king
Which side does hamilton join?
Federalist
what is Hamilton’s major strategy?
Get support of political elites
Who does he get to join him?
James Madison and John Jay
What does hamilton’s group do?
The 3 start sending anonymous letter to the Newspaper in support of the Constitution
What are Hamilton’s groups’ writings known as?
Federalist Papers (85 total)
What are the four major themes in the Federalist Papers letters?
A. Benefits of a strong federal government
B. Criticism of Articles of Confederation
C. Support of the Constitution
D. Discussion of the costs of freedom
What state was the first to ratify the Constitution?
Delaware, 12/7/87
What number was MA?
Sixth, 2/6/88
What state was the ninth? What did this do?
NH–> constitution goes into effect, 6/21/88
When had all 13 states ratified it by?
May 1790
Why did the states ultimately Agree to ratify the Constitution?
Ones who were on the fence were influenced by the adding of the 10 Amendments to the Constitution “Bill of Rights”