A New Nation Vocabulary

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key historical terms and definitions.

bonds

Certificates of debt that carry a promise to buy back the bonds at a higher price.

French Revolution

A rebellion of French people against their king in 1789.

Neutrality

Proclamation stating the United States would not take sides with any European countries that were at war.

Whiskey Rebellion

Farmers lashed out against the tax on whiskey, which is made from corn.

Federalist Party

Wanted a strong federal government and supported industry and trade.

Democratic-Republican Party

Its members, called Republicans, wanted to limit the federal government’s power.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed by a Federalist-dominated Congress that were said to protect the United States from anti-government opinions and actions.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

Republican documents arguing that the Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional.

Monroe Doctrine

An exclusive statement of American policy warning European powers not to interfere with the Americas.

Louisiana Purchase

In 1803, the Senate approved this agreement which roughly doubled the size of the United States.

impressment

The practice of forcing people to serve in the army or navy.

embargo

The banning of trade.

non-Intercourse Act

Law banning trade only with Britain, France, and their colonies.

War Hawks

Young members of Congress who called for war against Britain.

War of 1812

Battle between Great Britain and the United States, often referred to as the second war of independence.

Simon Bolivar

A revolutionary fighter known as the Liberator, led many struggles for independence throughout Latin America.

judicial review

The power to declare an act of Congress unconstitutional.

Marbury V. Madison

A case that helped establish the Supreme Court’s power to check the power of the other branches of government.

political parties

Groups that share and promote policy ideas on how the government should operate.

Bank of the United States

The country’s first national bank which stored taxes and could make loans to states.

loose vs. strict interpretation of Constitution

Loose construction allows reasonable actions not specifically forbidden by the Constitution, while strict construction limits government to only what the Constitution specifically permits.