Chapter 8 Part 1: Securing the Republic (1791–1815)

Where was the first national capital?

New York City

What did people think of political parties when Washington took office?

They were considered divisive, dangerous, and disloyal to the nation.

What were Hamilton’s main goals for the nation’s finances?

Establish national credit, strengthen the economy, and make the U.S. a commercial and military power like Great Britain.

What were the five parts of Hamilton’s financial plan?

Assume state debts, create new national debt, establish a national bank, excise tax on whiskey, and tariffs/subsidies to encourage manufacturing.

What were two major criticisms of Hamilton’s plan?

Favored wealthy elites and speculators; unconstitutional and centralized too much power.

What is Strict Construction?

Belief that the government can only do what the Constitution explicitly allows (Jefferson’s view).

What is Loose Construction?

Belief that the government can take reasonable actions not forbidden by the Constitution (Hamilton’s view).

What was the Hamilton–Jefferson Bargain?

Southerners accepted Hamilton’s plan in exchange for moving the capital to Washington, D.C.

How did Americans view the French Revolution?

Federalists saw it as violent and dangerous; Republicans saw it as an extension of the American Revolution.

Who was Edmund Genet and why was he significant?

French envoy who tried to rally U.S. support for France, violating neutrality and angering Washington.

What is impressment?

Britain’s practice of seizing American sailors and forcing them into the Royal Navy.

What did Jay’s Treaty do, and why was it controversial?

Britain left western forts and the U.S. favored British trade; seen as a betrayal of France and U.S. independence.

Who led the Federalist Party?

Alexander Hamilton and John Adams.

What did Federalists believe?

Strong central government, pro

Why were farmers angry about the whiskey tax?

It hurt small farmers who used whiskey as currency; led to the Whiskey Rebellion.

How did Washington respond to the Whiskey Rebellion?

Sent federal troops to show the government’s authority.

Who led the Republican Party (Jeffersonian)?

Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

What did Jeffersonian Republicans believe?

States’ rights, strict construction, pro

Give three examples of the expanding public sphere in the 1790s.

Growth of political newspapers, political clubs and societies, and increased public debate and participation.

What were Democratic

Republican Societies?

How did women’s opportunities expand in the 1790s?

Women wrote political essays, joined reform causes, and gained education through “Republican motherhood.”

What did Washington warn about in his Farewell Address?

Avoid political parties, sectionalism, and foreign alliances.

Why was Washington’s retirement significant?

Set a precedent for peaceful transfer of power and two

Which party did Washington favor?

The Federalists, supporting Hamilton’s strong government vision.

Who ran in the Election of 1796 and who won?

John Adams (Federalist) defeated Thomas Jefferson (Republican); Jefferson became Vice President.

Why was the 1796 outcome problematic?

The President and Vice President were from opposing parties.

What was the XYZ Affair?

French officials demanded bribes from U.S. diplomats; caused outrage and anti

What was the Quasi

War?

How did Democratic

Republicans view Adams’ policies?

What did the Alien and Sedition Acts do?

Restricted immigration, lengthened citizenship process, and criminalized criticism of the government.

Who was Matthew Lyon?

Republican congressman jailed under the Sedition Act for criticizing Adams.

What were the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions?

Declared that states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws.

What happened to voter turnout by 1800?

It increased dramatically with rising party competition.

What happened in the Election of 1800?

Jefferson and Burr tied; the House chose Jefferson after 36 votes.

How did Hamilton influence the Election of 1800?

He urged Federalists to support Jefferson over Burr.

What did the 12th Amendment do?

Required separate electoral votes for President and Vice President to prevent ties.