Unit 3

Early National Period

The time frame from 1787 to 1824 marked by the establishment of the U.S. Constitution and the formation of the new government.

Constitutional Convention

A gathering in 1787 aimed to revise the Articles of Confederation, which ultimately led to the creation of a new constitution.

Federalists

Supporters of a stronger central government, primarily urban citizens with commercial interests.

Anti-federalists

Opponents of a strong central government, mainly rural citizens who favored state power.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for representation in Congress based on population, favored by larger states.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for equal representation in Congress regardless of population, favored by smaller states.

Great Compromise

An agreement that established a bicameral Congress, with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate providing equal representation.

Three-fifths Compromise

A solution for counting enslaved individuals for representation, where three-fifths of the enslaved population would be counted.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, added to protect individual liberties and address Anti-federalist concerns.

Hamilton's Financial Plan

A strategy to stabilize the U.S. economy, including federal assumption of state debts and the creation of a national bank.

Elastic Clause

A constitutional provision allowing Congress to make laws deemed necessary and proper to carry out its responsibilities.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising by frontier farmers against a whiskey tax, which was suppressed by federal forces under Washington's command.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident where French diplomats demanded a bribe from American delegates, leading to public outrage.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed by Congress that allowed for the deportation of non-citizens and made it illegal to criticize the government.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Statements asserting that states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws, in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Pinckney Treaty

An agreement that defined the border between the U.S. and Spain at the 31st parallel, addressing tensions from westward migration.

Indian Trade and Intercourse Act

Legislation aimed at regulating relations between settlers and Native Americans amid increasing conflicts.

Barbary Pirates

North African pirates that attacked American ships, leading to conflicts over trade and protection payments.

Louisiana Purchase

The acquisition of the Louisiana territory from France for $15 million, which Jefferson justified despite his strict constructionist views.

Corps of Discovery

An expedition led by Lewis and Clark starting in 1804 to explore the newly acquired Louisiana territory.

Marbury vs

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review, asserting the court's authority to interpret the Constitution.

McCulloch vs

A Supreme Court case that reinforced federal supremacy over state laws, increasing the power of the federal government.