Mr. Caisse Unit 1: New Nation Study Guide

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from Unit 1: New Nation, including Washington's presidency, early economic debates, foreign relations, the first political parties, John Adams's presidency, and study techniques.

Hamilton's Financial Plan for Debt

A three-step plan developed by Alexander Hamilton to deal with American Revolution debt so that citizens and foreign nations would trust in the government again.

Hamilton's Revenue Plan

A two-part strategy to generate income for the federal government by placing tariffs on foreign goods and enacting an excise tax on whiskey to pay off national debts.

Bank of the United States (Hamilton's View)

A proposed institution designed to provide a safe place to store money, issue a common U.S. currency, and make loans available, defended on the constitutional grounds that the Constitution never explicitly forbade its creation.

Bank of the United States (Jefferson's View)

Opposition to a national bank on the grounds that it gave too much power to the federal government, harmed state banks, kept the rich rich and the poor poor, and was unconstitutional because the Constitution never explicitly authorized it.

Whiskey Rebellion

An uprising by western Pennsylvania farmers against the federal whiskey tax, which was put down when President George Washington raised an army, establishing the precedent that armed rebellion against the government would not succeed.

Washington's Policy of Neutrality

The official stance taken by George Washington during the conflict between France and Great Britain, refusing to take sides because the nation had just fought a war and was still young.

Jay's Treaty

An agreement negotiated with Great Britain to resolve tensions over British troops remaining in the U.S., British seizures of American ships, and the arming of Native Americans; it proved largely unsuccessful at resolving tensions.

Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington's concluding guidance to the nation, warning against forming political parties, urging Americans to stay united, advising to maintain established foreign policies, and warning against accumulating excessive debt.

Precedent

Something someone says or does that establishes a rule or standard for future actions to follow.

Washington's Presidential Precedents

Four key institutional practices established by George Washington: serving a maximum of two terms, creating a presidential cabinet, maintaining foreign policy neutrality, and delivering an annual State of the Union address.

Federalist Party

A political party led by Alexander Hamilton that favored a loose interpretation of the Constitution, a strong central government controlling the economy, the establishment of a national bank, and support for England in foreign affairs.

Democratic-Republican Party

A political party led by Thomas Jefferson that favored a strict interpretation of the Constitution, limited central government, protecting the economic interests of small farmers, opposing a national bank, and supporting France.

Quasi-War

An undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France triggered by rising tensions after the signing of Jay's Treaty.

XYZ Affair

An incident in which American diplomats sent by President John Adams attempted to negotiate with French officials, prompting outrage and preparation for war across the United States.

Sedition Act

A law passed under President John Adams that outlawed speaking poorly about the government under penalty of imprisonment, which was criticized for violating First Amendment protections of free speech.

Bloodless Revolution (Election of 1800)

The peaceful transfer of presidential power from John Adams to Thomas Jefferson, notable because it was a major political shift that caused no violence or harm.

Louisiana Purchase

A land acquisition under President Thomas Jefferson that significantly expanded the territorial boundaries of the United States.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

A westward journey commissioned to find the Northwest Passage, gather data on geography, wildlife, and natural resources, and establish friendly relations with Native American tribes.

Sacaquawa

A Native American guide whose role was vital to the Lewis and Clark expedition; she saved their journals, identified edible plants, and signaled peaceful intentions to other tribes.