Thomas Jefferson and Early American Presidents

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Thomas Jefferson's presidency, foreign policy, judicial power, and the political landscape of early America.

Democratic-Republican Party

Political party founded by Thomas Jefferson, which opposed Federalist policies and favored agrarian interests.

Revolution of 1800

The election where Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams, marking the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in the U.S.

Judicial Review

The principle established in Marbury v. Madison allowing the Supreme Court to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional.

Louisiana Purchase

The acquisition of the Louisiana territory from France in 1803 for $15 million, significantly expanding U.S. territory.

Embargo

A government order that restricts commerce with specified countries, notably Jefferson's embargo against Britain and France.

Monroe Doctrine

A policy introduced in 1823 asserting that the Western Hemisphere is off-limits to European colonization.

Era of Good Feelings

A period following the War of 1812 characterized by national unity and a lack of political strife between parties.

Sectionalism

The prioritization of regional interests over national interests, causing tensions between the North and South.

Missouri Compromise

A 1820 agreement admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, aiming to balance power in Congress.

War Hawks

Members of Congress who favored war with Britain in the lead-up to the War of 1812, advocating for 'Free Trade & Sailors' Rights.'

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising by western Pennsylvania farmers protesting a federal tax on whiskey, quickly suppressed by President Washington.

Jay's Treaty

A 1794 treaty between the U.S. and Great Britain resolving several issues left over from the American Revolution and averting war.

Pinckney's Treaty

A 1795 treaty with Spain, granting the U.S. navigation rights on the Mississippi River and access to New Orleans.

XYZ Affair

A 1797 diplomatic incident in which French agents demanded a bribe from American envoys, leading to an undeclared naval war (Quasi-War).

Alien and Sedition Acts

A series of four laws enacted in 1798 by the Federalist Congress aiming to restrict immigration and limit criticism of the government.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Political statements drafted in 1798 and 1799 in which the Kentucky and Virginia legislatures took the position that the federal Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional.

Federalist Party

Early American political party led by Alexander Hamilton, advocating for a strong central government and industrial development.

Alexander Hamilton

First Secretary of the Treasury, influential Federalist and architect of the nation's financial system.

First Bank of the United States

Chartered in 1791 by Congress, a central bank proposed by Alexander Hamilton to stabilize the economy.

Strict Constructionism

A legal philosophy holding that the federal government should only exercise powers explicitly granted to it by the Constitution.

Loose Constructionism

A legal philosophy holding that the federal government has implied powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution, derived from the "necessary and proper" clause.

Barbary Pirates

North African pirates who demanded tribute from U.S. merchant ships in the Mediterranean, leading to military action under Jefferson.

Impressment

The act of forcibly drafting sailors into military service, particularly by the British Navy against American seamen, a major cause of the War of 1812.

Chesapeake-Leopard Affair

A naval engagement in 1807 where the British warship HMS Leopard attacked the USS Chesapeake, sparking outrage in the U.S.

Lewis and Clark Expedition

Two-year journey (1804-1806) commissioned by President Jefferson to explore the Louisiana Purchase and map the western territories.

Tecumseh

A Shawnee chief who attempted to unite Native American tribes in resistance against U.S. expansion in the early 19th century.

Battle of Tippecanoe

An 1811 conflict where U.S. forces, led by William Henry Harrison, defeated Tecumseh's confederacy in Indiana Territory.

War of 1812

A military conflict (1812-1815) between the United States and Great Britain, often called the "second war of independence."

Battle of New Orleans

A decisive American victory in 1815, led by Andrew Jackson, fought after the Treaty of Ghent ending the War of 1812 had been signed.

Treaty of Ghent

The peace treaty signed in 1814 that ended the War of 1812, largely restoring pre-war boundaries and conditions.

Hartford Convention

A series of meetings (1814-1815) by New England Federalists to discuss their grievances concerning the War of 1812 and political problems, leading to the decline of the Federalist Party.

American System

A series of economic measures proposed by Henry Clay, including a protective tariff, a national bank, and federally funded internal improvements.

Internal Improvements

Government-funded public works projects, such as roads, canals, and bridges, aimed at fostering economic development.

Second Bank of the United States

Chartered in 1816, modeled after the First Bank, intended to regulate currency and provide financial stability.

Tariff of 1816

The first protective tariff in U.S. history, designed to protect American industries from foreign competition after the War of 1812.

McCulloch v. Maryland

An 1819 Supreme Court case affirming the implied powers of Congress under the "necessary and proper" clause and the supremacy of federal law over state law.

Gibbons v. Ogden

An 1824 Supreme Court case establishing that states could not interfere with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce.

Adams-Onís Treaty

An 1819 treaty between the U.S. and Spain that ceded Florida to the U.S. and defined the boundary between the U.S. and New Spain.

Rush-Bagot Treaty

An 1817 agreement between the U.S. and Great Britain limiting naval armaments on the Great Lakes, effectively demilitarizing the border.

Convention of 1818

A treaty between the U.S. and Great Britain that set the U.S.-Canada border at the 49th parallel and allowed for joint occupation of the Oregon Country.