Early United States Government and Politics

Vocabulary flashcards covering the Articles of Confederation, early constitutional compromises, ordinances, and the formation of political parties and policies in the early United States.

Articles of Confederation (1781–1789)

First US constitutional framework; created weak central rule without taxing power.

Land Ordinance of 1785

Grid surveying system for western land sales; reserved Section 16 proceeds for public schools.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Established pathway to statehood; guaranteed civil rights and prohibited slavery.

Shays' Rebellion (1786–1787)

Debt-driven armed uprising by Massachusetts farmers; exposed Articles weaknesses.

Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

Created bicameral legislature (House by population, Senate equal).

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement to count three-fifths of enslaved population for representation and direct taxes.

Alexander Hamilton

Federalist leader; advocated national bank, debt assumption, tariffs, and loose construction.

Thomas Jefferson

Democratic-Republican leader; authored Declaration; advocated strict construction and agrarianism.

Neutrality Proclamation (1793)

Washington's declaration keeping US neutral during Anglo-French European warfare.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

Pennsylvania excise tax revolt suppressed by Washington, demonstrating federal authority.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

Federalist laws restricting dangerous immigrants and criminalizing political dissent.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions (1798–1799)

Secretly authored texts introducing state nullification doctrine.

Election of 1800

"Revolution of 1800"; first peaceful transfer of national executive power between opposing political parties.