Studied by 8 people
test friday 10/11
Articles of Confederation
alliance adopted in 1781
established a weak central government with limited powers.
Land Ordinance of 1785
Established a systematic process for selling western lands
promoting settlement and organization of new territories.
Northwest Ordinance
Outlined the process for admitting new states from the Northwest Territory and established guidelines for governance and the prohibition of slavery.
Shays’ Rebellion
uprising in Massachusetts led by Daniel Shays
highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Virginia Plan
proposal at the Constitutional Convention
suggested a strong national government with a bicameral legislature based on population.
New Jersey Plan
alternative to the Virginia Plan
unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state
protecting smaller states' interests.
Great Compromise (Connecticut Plan)
compromise creating a bicameral legislature
the House based on population
Senate providing equal representation.
3/5th Compromise
agreement counting each enslaved person as three-fifths of a person for taxation and representation purposes.
Electoral College
body established by the Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President
electors equal to congressional representation.
Antifederalists
Opponents of the Constitution fearing a strong central government, advocating for individual liberties and the Bill of Rights.
Federalists
Supporters of the Constitution
advocating for a strong national government and a unified nation.
The Federalist Papers
A series of 85 essays promoting the ratification of the Constitution and explaining its principles.
Republican Motherhood
belief that women teach civic virtue and responsibility to their children
contributing to democracy.
Daniel Shays
former Revolutionary War soldier
leader of Shays’ Rebellion protesting economic injustices.
Patrick Henry
An opponent of the ratification of the Constitution.
James Madison
A key architect of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights
known as the "Father of the Constitution."
Alexander Hamilton
first Secretary of the Treasury
advocating for a strong central government
establishing financial policies.
John Jay
first Chief Justice of the United States
co-author of The Federalist Papers
known for negotiating Jay’s Treaty.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution ratified in 1791, guaranteeing individual liberties and rights.
Assumption
financial policy by Hamilton involving the federal government assuming state debts from the Revolutionary War.
Tariff
tax on imported goods designed to protect domestic industries and raise government revenue.
Excise tax
tax on the manufacture, sale, or consumption of certain goods, notably whiskey
leading to the Whiskey Rebellion.
Strict construction
judicial philosophy interpreting the Constitution
limiting federal government powers to those explicitly stated.
Bank of the United States
national bank established in 1791
stabilized and improved the nation’s credit
managed financial affairs.
Battle of the Wabash
1791 battle
American forces suffered a significant defeat against Native American tribes.
Whiskey Rebellion
A 1794 uprising of farmers protesting an excise tax on whiskey, suppressed by federal troops.
Neutrality Proclamation
declaration by President Washington in 1793
the U.S. would remain neutral in the conflict between Britain and France.
Battle of Fallen Timbers
1794 battle
U.S. forces defeated Native American tribes
leading to the Treaty of Greenville.
Treaty of Greenville
1795 agreement ending the Northwest Indian War and ceding territories to the United States.
Jay’s Treaty
A 1794 treaty with Britain aimed at resolving issues from the Revolutionary War, criticized for not addressing all grievances.
Pinckney’s Treaty
1795
agreement with Spain establishing friendly relations
granting navigation rights on the Mississippi River.
Farewell Address
George Washington's 1796 letter warning against political parties and foreign alliances
XYZ Affair
1797 diplomatic incident leading to an undeclared naval war known as the Quasi-War.
Alien & Sedition Acts
A series of laws passed in 1798 limiting immigration
curbing dissent against the federal government.
Virginia and Kentucky resolutions
Political statements
asserting states could nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional
in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts.
George Washington
The first President of the United States, setting many precedents and advocating for neutrality in foreign affairs.
Edmond Genêt
A French diplomat whose actions during the French Revolution challenged American neutrality.
John Adams
second President of the United States and a Federalist
significant in early republic foreign affairs.
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand
French foreign minister whose actions during the XYZ Affair escalated tensions between the U.S. and France.
