APUSH Chapter 9 Key Terms

Ratification of the Constitution

Ratification of the Constitution

The constitution was ratified in 1789 by 9 of the 13 states and immediately took affect in those states. The rest would soon join afterwards so as to not be isolated. Some states ratified the constitution with the understanding that a bill of rights would be quickly added.

Adding the Bill of Rights

James Madison personally drafted the first 10 amendments to the constitution which would make up the bill of rights. A constitutional convention wasn't called over fears of it taking too long and falling apart.

The Judiciary Act of 1789

The act which organized the supreme court as well as federal district and circuit courts. Out lined that the supreme court would be made up of a Chief Justice and 5 associate judges.

Funding at par

Paying off loans plus interest. Hamilton insisted on this to build the people's confidence in the federal government.

Hamilton's protective tariff

A Tariff advocated for by Hamilton with the duel purpose of generating revenue and protecting America's young manufacturing industries from European competition.

The Whiskey Tax

An excise tax placed on whiskey meant to generate revenue to pay off of the national debt. Affected the whiskey distillers in the backcountry the heaviest because they used it as currency

The Bank of the United States

The central bank of the United states which was responsible for holding the government's money as well as for printing currency. Advocated for by Alexander Hamilton as a means of fixing the nation's financial woes. A public company which the U.S. government held a 20% share of. Initially chartered for 20 years and given 10 million in capital.

The elastic clause

The clause that allows congress to pass laws deemed necessary and proper to carry out the powers vested in government agencies.

Implied powers

The powers not expressly granted to Congress by the constitution which Congress has anyways due to the elastic clause. Powers congressed implies it has.

The Whiskey Rebellion

A very small revolt in south west pennsylvania that was prompted when towns refused to pay the excise tax on whiskey. Not much of a rebellion but Washington still raised a 13,000 man army to go put it down. The locals relied on whiskey as a currency not as a luxury as it was easier to transport than the raw grain.

Impact of the French Revolution on the United States

The united states wasn't directly affected. The Federalists initially supported the revolution, view it as a continuation of their own revolution. This was until the mob wanted blood and the revolutionary government turned tyrannical. Jeffersonians were supportive of it through and through. It's inspiration of the Haitian revolution made Slave owners nervous their slaves too would rebel.

Citizen Genet

An incredibly enthusiastic French Envoy to the United States. Upon arriving in Charleston he was welcomed quicky by the Jeffersonians leading him to ignore the neutrality proclamation and to organize armies of men to invade Florida, Louisiana, and British Columbia. Washington demanded his withdrawal so as to not irritate the other european powers.

The Neutrality Proclamation of 1793

Proclaimed that the nation would remain neutral in the ensuing conflict between France and Britain. Assured the people that they should be impartial as well.

Jay's Treaty with Britain, 1794

In order to avoid war with Britain, John Jay was sent to Britain to Negotiate. Britain agreed to evacuate their frontier forts and pay the damages on siezed ships, in exchange for the U.S. paying off the debts still owed to British Merchants.

Pinckney's Treaty with Spain, 1795

Fearing an Anglo-American alliance the Spanish appeased the Americans by granting them free navigation of the Mississippi, deposit rights in New Orleans, and the disputed western Florida with this treaty.

Washington's two-term tradition

A tradition of Presidents only ever serving 2 terms in their lifetimes.

Washington's Farewell Address, 1797

An address Washington wrote to be printed Newspapers for the people. Warned the nation of the dangerous of political parties and permanent alliances with for1egn nations.

XYZ Affair, 1797

The American envoy upon reaching Paris in hopes of meeting Talleyrand were approached by three middle men demanding a loan of 10 million dollars and a 250k bribe for a meeting with Talleyrand. The envoy was offended and negotiations broke down very quickly.

Alien Laws, 1798

A series of laws which limited the immigration of pro jeffersonian immigrants and "dregs" from Europe. Increased the residency requirement from 5 to 14 years. Empowered the president to deport dangerous immigrants.

Sedition Act, 1798

A Law Contrary to the 1st amendment which stated that if anyone was found impeding the policies of the government or falsely defaming its officials they were liable to fines or imprisonment. This was an attack against the many Jeffersonian writers and editors who were unrestrained in their writing.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, 1798-99

Stated that states were the source of the federal government and so had the right to refuse the orders of it if it mandated something unconstitutional. This practice was validated by the supreme court in 1803.

Compact theory

The 13 colonies had entered into a compact, so creating the national government, and so were the final judges as to if the compact was being broken.

Nullification

States' refusal to accept unconstitutional laws from congress.