APUSH Terms - Unit 3B (1754 - 1800)

Great Compromise

Agreement at the Constitutional Convention 1787 which solved the dispute between the large states and the small states. It created 2 types of legislature systems, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Federalists vs. Anti-federalists

Federalists supported the ratification of the Constitution that supported a strong central government. The Anti-federalists opposed the constitution fearing a strong central government would threaten states rights and liberties. They demanded the Bill of Rights be made to protect the people's rights.

Three-fifths compromise

Agreement made during the 1787 Constitutional Convention, that said that three fifths of slaves matter in population, affecting the House of Representative (which is based on population) and for taxing purposes.

Bank of the United States

The first bank in America that was chartered in 1791 as part of Alexander Hamilton's financial plan to stabilize post-American rev. War economy by managing debt, issuing currency (today's American money) and collecting taxes.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, and was ratified in 1791, which guaranteed the people's individual rights, such as speech and religion. Added to address the fears of the anti-federalists, who feared a strong national government overpowering everything else.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Established the framework of the judiciary branch, creating the supreme courts, with a Chief Justice and five associate justices, along with a federal district courts, and circuit courts, defining their respective jurisdictions and powers. One of the first acts made by the first congress.

Democratic Republican vs. Federalists

First party system that emerged in the 1790s and involved the two rival parties, the federalists and the Democratic Republicans. The federalists favored a strong central government, while the Democratic Republicans advocated for state's rights and a limited federal government.

Whiskey Rebellion

An armed uprising by western Pennsylvania farmers in 1794 who were protesting tax on whiskey that was created by Alexander Hamilton in 1791. The farmers felt that the tax unfairly targeted smaller farms.

Citizen Genet

Edmond-Charles Genet the French minister in the United States in 1793, attempted to use American ports to commission privateers and recruit American soldiers to fight in the War between France and Great Britain.

Jay's Treaty 1794

Agreement between the United States and the British that resolved post-American Revolution issues, including the British's evacuation of forts in the northwest Territory and the resolution of pre-war debts.

Pinckney's Treaty 1795

Also known as the treaty of San Lorenzo, agreement between Spain and the United States that allowed for colonists to freely roam the Mississippi River and the right to deposit goods without payment in the New Orleans port.

Washington's Farewell Address

Letter, where George Washington announced his retirement from his presidency in 1796, advising against political parties and permanent alliances with other countries, and advocating for American neutrality in foreign affairs.

XYZ Affair

In 1797, three American representatives were sent to France and were met with three French agents, X, Y, and Z, who demanded a bribe and loans to initiate negotiations and address disputes from Jay's Treaty and French seizure of American ships.

Quasi War

An undeclared naval conflict between the French and the United States from 1798 to 1800, primarily fought in the Caribbean, caused by the XYZ affair and the seizure of American ships.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Four laws passed in 1798 by the federalist-controlled congress, signed by president John Adams, that increased restrictions on basic rights such as freedom of speech and the press, aimed at strengthening national security during the Quasi-War.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Series of political statements drafted by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson in 1798 to protest the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Revolution of 1800

Peaceful transfer of power from the Federalist Party to the Democratic-Republican Party following the U.S. presidential election of 1800, where Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams, marking a major political realignment.