The New Nation (1789-1824) Flashcards
When was the Bill of Rights ratified?
1791
When was the Supreme Court established?
The Judiciary act of 1789 vested power to 6 justices to rule on the constitutional validity of state laws.
How did the Presidential Cabinet come to be?
Washington appointed a Secretary of State, Treasury and War as well as Attorney General.
What was Hamilton’s financial program as the Secretary of the Treasury?
To stimulate industrial development through subsidies and tax incentives, fund the national debt and assume state debts by increasing taxes.
What was the opposition to Hamilton’s financial program?
Jefferson and others opposed the program because it would fall on the small farmers and enrich a small few at the expense of many.
What did the founding fathers consider to be a “detrimental force” in a democracy?
“Factions” which quickly led to the development of political parties.
What were the two political parties that formed during Washington’s administration?
The Federalists and the Republicans.
Who were the Federalists?
Alexander Hamilton and those who believed that all powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution were “implied powers” of the federal government. Received most support from businesses and financial groups in the Northeast and southern ports.
Who were the Republicans?
Jefferson, Madison and those who believed that all powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution were “strictly” prohibited of the federal government. Received most support from the rural and frontiers of the south and west.
What was the U.S.’s stance to the French Revolution.
Washington declared neutrality. Merchants traded with both sides which prompted retaliation by the British.
What was Jay’s Treaty with Britain?
(1794) John Jay negotiated a poor, but best possible treaty to attempt to resolve Britain’s retaliation against merchant ships trading with France in the French Revolution.
What was the Treaty with Spain?
(1795) To strengthen Spanish standing on the frontier, the Spaniards opened the Mississippi to American vessels.
What was the Whiskey Rebellion?
The credibility of the young government was strengthened when Washington sent 15,000 militia to subdue Pennsylvania farmers who refused to pay a whiskey tax (part of Hamilton’s program).
Why was John Adams a poor president?
Although a brilliant lawyer and statesman, he was too dogmatic and uncompromising to be an effective politician.
What was the XYZ affair?
During the Adams administration, in 1798, three men were sent to France to stop the French from harassing American shipping. The French attempted to bribe the delegation, and the cry, “Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute” ran public feelings against the French.
What was the Quasi-war during the Adams administration?
In response to the XYZ affair, Adams suspended trade with France and authorized merchants to attack French ships. In 1800, with Napoleon as its new leader, a treaty was signed.
What was the Alien Act?
During the Adams administration, the government majority was Federalist and the Alien act made it more difficult to immigrate to America.
What was the Sedition Act?
During the Adams administration, under Federalist philosophy, the Sedition Act attempted to muzzle newspaper critics
What were the Kentucky and Virginia resolves?
Jefferson and Madison’s attempt to implement John Locke’s compact theory - a process to nullify unconstitutional laws.
What was the Judiciary Act of 1801?
President Adams appointed over 50 judges last minute in an attempt to keep Federalist influence.
What were Jefferson’s political ideals?
Jefferson idealized that a central government would exercise minimum control to provide an agrarian paradise.
Who designed Washington D.C.?
Pierre L’Enfant
What were some of Jefferson’s accomplishments in office?
Repeal of the Alien and Sedition Acts, bureaucracy reduced, policies to benefit small farmers, importation of slaves stopped.
What was the Louisiana Purchase?
Jefferson bought Louisiana from Napoleon out of fear that France would close it to American traffic. Territory of U.S. doubled overnight.
Why was the Louisiana Purchase a constitutional dilemma?
The constitution requires that the purchase of land be approved by congress but a treaty overrides the constitution. Since the purchase was part of a treaty it did not require congressional approval.
Describe Lewis and Clark’s expedition
In 1804, four years before the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson commissioned the two to explore from St. Lewis to the west.
What was the Essex Junto?
Some New Englanders sought to secede from the union because they saw western expansion as a threat to their influence. Hamilton led the opposition and lost his life to Burr in a duel.
