US History - Constitution and Early Republic

Flashcards reviewing key vocabulary and concepts from a lecture on the Constitution, early political parties, and national identity.

Federalists

Advocates for the new Constitution who argued for a stronger central government. Key figures include Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.

Antifederalists

Opponents of the Constitution, they feared a strong central government and advocated for states' rights and the inclusion of a bill of rights.

Federalism

The sharing of power between the federal government and state governments, as defined by the Tenth Amendment.

Separation of Powers

The division of governmental power among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to ensure a balance of power and prevent tyranny.

Legislative Branch

The lawmaking branch of the government.

Executive Branch

The law-enforcing branch of the government.

Judicial Branch

The law-interpreting branch of the government.

Republican Motherhood

The idea that women could influence politics by raising virtuous sons instructed in the principles of liberty.

French Revolution

A revolution in France inspired by the American Revolution's emphasis on freedom and the right to consent to political leadership.

Haitian Revolution

A revolution in Haiti, inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution, where enslaved people overthrew French colonial leadership and established an independent state.

Whiskey Rebellion

A rebellion in 1794 where farmers attacked federal tax collectors; it was suppressed by federal troops assembled by George Washington, demonstrating the power of the new federal government.

Hamilton's National Bank

A national bank proposed by Alexander Hamilton to consolidate state debts and increase the credit of the US, opposed by the Democratic-Republicans.

Elastic Clause

Also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, used by Hamilton to justify the creation of the National Bank.

XYZ Affair

An incident where French officials demanded a bribe from American ambassadors, leading to outrage in the US and tensions between the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed during John Adams' administration that made it easier to deport non-citizens and illegal to criticize the government publicly.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Resolutions arguing that states had the right to nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional, in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts.