federalist era

Judiciary Act of 1789

Established the structure of the federal court system and the role of the Supreme Court.

Presidential Cabinet

A group of advisors chosen by the president to head executive departments and help make decisions.

Thomas Jefferson

3rd U.S. President, leader of the Democratic-Republicans, believed in limited government and states’ rights.

Alexander Hamilton

1st Secretary of Treasury; created a financial plan for the national debt and founded the Federalist Party.

Strict Interpretation

Belief that the government should follow the Constitution exactly as written. Supported by Jefferson.

Loose Interpretation

Belief that the Constitution allows implied powers. Supported by Hamilton.

Federalists

 Party led by Hamilton; favored strong central government and close ties with Britain.

Democratic-Republicans

Party led by Jefferson; favored states’ rights and support for France.

Protective Tariff.

Tax on imports to protect American industries from foreign competition

Excise Tax

Tax on domestic goods like whiskey; led to the Whiskey Rebellion.

Whiskey Rebellion

1794 farmers’ protest against the whiskey tax; Washington’s response showed the strength of the new government

Washington’s Farewell Address

Warned against foreign alliances and political parties.

Neutrality.

 Policy of not taking sides in European wars, especially between Britain and France

Alien Acts

 Gave the president power to deport non-citizens seen as a threat.

Sedition Act

Made it illegal to criticize the government; seen as violating free speech.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Claimed states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws.

Nullify

To cancel or make a law void within a state.

Louisiana Purchase

1803 land deal that doubled U.S. size; bought from France under Jefferson.

Embargo Act of 1807

Stopped U.S. trade with foreign nations; hurt U.S. economy more than Britain or France.

Impressment

British practice of capturing American sailors and forcing them into the British Navy.

Andrew Jackson

U.S. general who became a national hero after the Battle of New Orleans.

War of 1812

War with Britain over trade restrictions and impressment of U.S. sailors.

Hartford Convention

Meeting of New England Federalists who opposed the War of 1812 and discussed secession.

Star Spangled Banner

National anthem written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812.

Treaty of Ghent

Ended the War of 1812; restored relations between the U.S. and Britain to pre-war conditions.

6th Amendment

Right to a fair and speedy trial with a lawyer and an impartial jury

4th Amendment

Protection from unreasonable searches and seizures.