US History: Constitution and the Early Republic

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering the Articles of Confederation, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the presidencies of George Washington and John Adams based on Mr. Stanczak's 2026 US History Study Guide.

What was the Articles of Confederation, and why was it significant?

It was America's first national government, and it was significant because it created a weak central government.

What was the purpose and significance of the Land Ordinance of 1785?

It divided western land into townships for sale, which raised money for the government and organized settlement into grids.

What did the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 establish, and what restrictions did it place on slavery?

It established a process for territories to become states (requiring a population of $60{,}000$ people), encouraged western settlement, and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.

What was Shays's Rebellion, and what was its significance?

It was a rebellion by Massachusetts farmers caused by unpaid soldiers, high state taxes, debt, and a bad economy with high prices; it was significant because it showed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Why is James Madison significant in the creation of the Constitution?

He was a Founding Father who helped write the Constitution and became known as the father of the Constitution.

How did the Great Compromise resolve the debate between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan?

It created a two-house (bicameral) Congress that blended the population-based Virginia Plan (House of Representatives) and the equal-representation New Jersey Plan (Senate with $2$ votes per state).

What was the Three-Fifths Compromise, and what was its political impact?

It counted three-fifths of enslaved people for representation and direct taxation, which increased Southern political power.

What are the primary functions of the three branches of the U.S. government?

The Legislative Branch (Congress) makes laws, the Executive Branch (led by the president) enforces laws, and the Judicial Branch (including the Supreme Court) interprets laws.

What is the purpose and significance of the Electoral College?

It is a system that formally elects the president and determines the outcome of the presidential election.

How did Federalists and Antifederalists differ in their views on the Constitution?

Federalists supported the Constitution and wanted a stronger national government, order, and unity; Antifederalists opposed or criticized it, fearing a too-powerful government and demanding protections for individual rights.

What were The Federalist Papers, and who wrote them?

They were a series of essays supporting the Constitution that helped states ratify it, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.

Who were the notable Antifederalists identified in the study guide?

Patrick Henry, George Mason (noted as george madison), and Samuel Adams.

What is the Bill of Rights, and why is it significant?

It consists of the first ten amendments of the Constitution, which protected people's individual freedom.

What rights are protected under the First through Fourth Amendments?

The 1st Amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition; the 2nd protects the right to keep and bear arms for a well-regulated militia; the 3rd prohibits quartering of soldiers; and the 4th protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

What rights are protected under the Fifth through Eighth Amendments?

The 5th Amendment guarantees due process and protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy; the 6th guarantees rights of accused persons (such as a speedy and public trial); the 7th provides trial by jury in civil cases; and the 8th protects against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishments.

What do the Ninth and Tenth Amendments address?

The 9th Amendment addresses other rights of the people, and the 10th Amendment reserves powers to the states.

What were the notable strengths of the Articles of Confederation?

Winning the Revolutionary War, creating a democracy, passing the Land Ordinance of 1785 (organizing western land into grids), and passing the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 (establishing a process for statehood with no slavery).

What were the key weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

No power to tax, inability to pay debts, no control over commerce or trade, no standard currency, no executive branch, no judicial branch or national court system, rigid voting rights ($\frac{9}{13}$ states to pass a law), unequal representation, no standing army, inability to enforce treaties or international law, failure to maintain internal order, and impossibility to make changes.

What did the Judiciary Act of 1789 establish?

It established the federal court system, including the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, thereby organizing the national judiciary.

Who were the members of George Washington's cabinet?

Thomas Jefferson served as Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury, and Henry Knox as Secretary of War.

What was the significance of the Whiskey Rebellion during Washington's presidency?

It was a protest against a federal tax on whiskey; Washington sent troops to stop it, demonstrating that the federal government could enforce laws and maintain order.

What was the significance of Citizen Genêt during Washington's administration?

He challenged Washington's neutrality policy and demonstrated how difficult it was for the United States to avoid European conflicts.

What was the significance of Jay's Treaty?

It was an agreement between the U.S. and Great Britain that helped avoid war and maintain peace, though it angered many Americans.

What precedents did President George Washington establish?

Saying 'So help me God' upon taking office, establishing a fashion trend, creating the first presidential cabinet, and voluntarily stepping down after two terms.

What key warnings did George Washington issue in his Farewell Address?

He warned against political parties, advised permanent neutrality with no political or military alliances, and warned against further rebellions.

What was Alexander Hamilton's plan for the Assumption of State Debts?

A plan for the federal government to take over state debts, which strengthened federal power and financial credibility.

What was the Bank of the United States, and why was it significant?

It was a national bank proposed by Alexander Hamilton that helped manage government money and stabilize the economy.

What was the XYZ Affair and its consequence?

It was a diplomatic dispute where French agents demanded a bribe from American diplomats, which angered Americans and increased support for war with France.

What was the Quasi-War?

An undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France that ended in 1800, which heightened political tensions between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

What were the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798?

Laws that made deporting certain noncitizens easier and punished criticism of the federal government, sparking debates over free speech, press freedom, and federal power.

What argument was made in the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions (1798–1799)?

Written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, they argued that states had the power to challenge federal laws that they considered unconstitutional.

What occurred during the Election of 1800, and why was it significant?

Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams after tying with Aaron Burr (Adams took 3rd place); it was significant because it marked the peaceful transfer of power between opposing political parties (the 'Revolution of 1800').

What were President John Adams's 'Midnight Appointments'?

Appointments of federal judges made by John Adams shortly before he left office.

What principle was established by the Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison (1803)?

Under Chief Justice John Marshall, it established Judicial Review—the power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional and limit the power of Congress and the president.

How did Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson differ regarding government power and the Constitution?

Hamilton supported a strong federal government and a loose interpretation of the Constitution; Jefferson supported states' rights, limited federal power, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

How did Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson differ in their economic and foreign policy views?

Hamilton favored manufacturing, commerce, factories, a national bank, assuming state debts, and closer ties with Britain; Jefferson favored farming, an agricultural society, westward expansion, public education, and closer ties with France.

What historical sources and organizational concepts shaped the framing of the Constitution in 1787?

The framers studied ancient Greece and Rome rather than basing the Constitution on Christianity, incorporating separation of powers (legislative, executive, judicial), checks and balances, and the Electoral College.