American YAWP #6

What event took place on July 4, 1788, in Philadelphia?

A grand federal procession in honor of the new national constitution.

What symbolic act did blacksmiths perform during the 1788 procession?

They carted around a working forge, symbolically beating swords into farm tools.

What did the potters' sign during the procession paraphrase?

It paraphrased from the Bible, stating, 'The potter hath power over his clay.'

What was the significance of the grand procession in 1788?

It represented the hope for a diverse but cohesive and prosperous nation.

What major event occurred in April 1789 related to George Washington?

Thousands gathered in New York to see him take the presidential oath of office.

What was the reaction of the Massachusetts government to the farmers' protests during Shays's Rebellion?

The government supported the lenders instead of the farmers.

Who led the armed protests known as Shays's Rebellion?

Daniel Shays, a Revolutionary War veteran.

What tactics did the Shaysites use during their protests?

They formed blockades around courthouses to prevent foreclosure orders.

How did Governor James Bowdoin view the Shaysites?

He saw them as rebels seeking to rule the government through mob violence.

What was the outcome for Daniel Shays and other leaders after the rebellion?

They were indicted for treason, but most received pardons.

What did Thomas Jefferson think about rebellion, as mentioned in the context of Shays's Rebellion?

He believed 'a little rebellion now and then' helped keep the country free.

What was the main issue that the Constitutional Convention aimed to address?

The federal government's inability to levy taxes.

What was the Virginia Plan proposed by James Madison?

A proposal for a strong federal government with three branches and a two-house legislature.

What did the Virginia Plan suggest about representation in Congress?

Representation should be based on population size or tax base.

What was the general consensus among delegates regarding the Articles of Confederation?

They agreed that the Articles had failed and needed to be replaced.

What was William Patterson's New Jersey Plan?

A proposal to maintain equal representation for each state in Congress.

What did Roger Sherman argue regarding the appointment of Congress members?

He argued that members should be appointed by the state legislatures.

What was the broader significance of Shays's Rebellion in American history?

It highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger central government.

What was the reaction of nationalists like James Madison to Shays's Rebellion?

They viewed it as evidence that a strong central government was necessary to maintain order.

What did Madison believe about the possibility of governing a diverse nation?

He believed it was possible to create 'an extended republic' that could govern a diverse population.

What were the two main research projects James Madison completed before the Constitutional Convention?

One on the history of government in the U.S. and another on the history of republics worldwide.

What did the uprising in Massachusetts lead to in terms of national action?

It convinced leaders to convene the Constitutional Convention to address governmental weaknesses.

What was the primary concern of the delegates at the Constitutional Convention?

To create a government that could effectively manage national issues and prevent anarchy.

What was the main consequence of the inability of the federal government to raise revenue?

The burden of debt from the Revolutionary War fell on the states.

What did Madison's Virginia Plan propose regarding state laws?

The national legislature would have veto power over state laws.

What did Roger Sherman propose as a compromise for Congress?

A bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with equal representation for each state.

What was the Great Compromise?

A proposal that established a two-house legislature: the House of Representatives based on state population and the Senate with two senators per state.

How was the president chosen according to the Constitutional Convention?

The president would be elected by a special electoral college.

What was a major concern regarding the executive branch during the Constitutional Convention?

Delegates worried about the potential for corruption and undue control over the executive branch.

What was the outcome of the proposal for a national bill of rights?

The proposal was voted down, leading to criticism from Anti-Federalists who argued for the necessity of specific rights.

What were the Federalist Papers?

A series of articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison advocating for the ratification of the Constitution.

What was the significance of the ratification process in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts narrowly approved the Constitution after extensive debate, setting a precedent for other states.

What was the outcome of the Virginia ratifying convention?

Virginia ratified the Constitution by a vote of 89 to 79 after intense debate.

When did Congress announce that a majority of states had ratified the Constitution?

On July 2, 1788.

What were the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, added in 1791, which guarantee specific rights to American citizens.

Why did James Madison support the Bill of Rights?

He did so as a political compromise to secure the Constitution's ratification, despite his initial opposition.

What was the 'dirty compromise' regarding the slave trade?

New England agreed to protect the foreign slave trade for twenty years in exchange for support on commercial legislation from southern states.

What was the three-fifths compromise?

A provision that counted three-fifths of a state's enslaved population for representation and tax purposes.

What were the reasons for outlawing the Atlantic slave trade in 1808?

Britain's actions against the slave trade, the impact of the Haitian Revolution, and the acquisition of the Louisiana Territory.

What was the role of Anti-Federalists during the ratification process?

They organized to oppose the Constitution, arguing that it lacked a bill of rights to protect individual liberties.

What was the concern about the Constitution leading to tyranny?

Anti-Federalists feared that the strong federal government could infringe upon individual rights and state sovereignty.

How did the Constitutional Convention address the balance between national and state sovereignty?

The delegates created a government that combined elements from ancient republics and English tradition while introducing limited democratic innovations.

What was the significance of the debates in coffeehouses and newspapers?

They facilitated public discourse on the merits and drawbacks of the Constitution, engaging citizens in the political process.

What was President Thomas Jefferson's belief regarding the end of the external slave trade?

He thought it would help maintain a white man's republic and possibly lead to the disappearance of slavery.

What was a major flaw in the ban on the slave trade?

It lacked effective enforcement measures and funding, allowing states to sell intercepted enslaved people at auction.

How did the new federal government approach slavery?

It protected slavery while expanding democratic rights for white men.

What was Alexander Hamilton's vision for America's future?

He envisioned a metropolitan, commercial, industrial society, contrasting with Jefferson's agrarian vision.

Who were the key figures in President Washington's cabinet?

Vice President John Adams and Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, with Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State.

What did Hamilton believe was the most powerful incentive for human actions?

Self-interest, which drives individuals to accumulate property and create commerce and industry.

What roles did Hamilton believe government should play in the economy?

Protect private property and harness human passions for the public good.

What was Hamilton's stance on property distribution?

He did not believe the state should ensure equal distribution of property, viewing inequality as a fundamental societal distinction.

What was the purpose of Hamilton's financial plan?

To link federal power with the economic vitality of the country and ensure the wealthy had a vested interest in the government's finances.

What was the first part of Hamilton's financial plan?

Federal assumption of state debts, totaling about $25 million, from the Revolutionary War.

What was the purpose of the Bank of the United States?

To serve as a depository for federal funds, print banknotes, control inflation, and connect wealthy individuals to the federal government.

What was controversial about Hamilton's assumption of state debts?

Taxpayers objected to paying full face value on old notes, and southerners felt they were unfairly paying for debts of New England states.

What was the outcome of Hamilton's proposal for the Bank of the United States?

It won congressional approval and created over $70 million in new financial instruments.

What was the Whiskey Rebellion?

A revolt by western farmers against Hamilton's whiskey tax, which they saw as a burden on their livelihoods.

How did the Whiskey Rebellion reflect divisions in the young republic?

It highlighted geographical, economic, and cultural divides between the East and West, merchants and farmers, and cities and the countryside.

What actions did farmers take in response to the whiskey tax?

They protested violently, including tarring and feathering tax collectors and attacking federal marshals.

How did President Washington respond to the Whiskey Rebellion?

He dispatched a committee to meet with the rebels to seek a peaceful resolution.

What was Washington's response to the Whiskey Rebellion?

Washington dispatched a committee to negotiate with the rebels and gathered an army of thirteen thousand militiamen.

Who commanded the federal army during the Whiskey Rebellion?

Henry Lee, a Revolutionary hero and the governor of Virginia.

What was the outcome of the arrests overseen by Alexander Hamilton during the Whiskey Rebellion?

Many rebels were released due to lack of evidence, and most remaining were pardoned by the president.

What did the Whiskey Rebellion demonstrate about the federal government?

It showed that the federal government was capable of quelling internal unrest.

What was Alexander Hamilton's vision for America's foreign trade?

He envisioned a strong financial system and a friendly relationship with Great Britain.

What was President Washington's stance on American involvement in foreign conflicts?

He declared that the United States would remain neutral.

What was the purpose of Jay's Treaty?

To negotiate a treaty that would satisfy both Britain and the United States, requiring Britain to abandon military positions in the Northwest Territory.

What did Jay's Treaty require Britain to do?

Abandon its military positions in the Northwest Territory and compensate American merchants for their losses.

How did the Federalists and Republicans view Jay's Treaty?

Federalists saw it as an accomplishment, while Republicans viewed it as proof of Federalist treachery.

What was the impact of the French Revolution on American political factions?

It transformed the Federalists and Republicans from temporary factions into two distinct political parties.

What event in France in early 1793 shocked many Americans?

The execution of King Louis XVI and the Queen during the French Revolution.

Who was Edmond-Charles Genêt?

A French ambassador who encouraged Americans to act against Spain and threatened to appeal directly to the American people.

What was the XYZ Affair?

A diplomatic incident where French officials demanded a bribe from American diplomats, leading to public outrage in the U.S.

What was the American public's reaction to the XYZ Affair?

It infuriated citizens, leading to widespread support for President Adams against France.

Who became the new president after Washington?

John Adams, Washington's vice president.

What was the significance of the peaceful transition of power in 1796?

It showed that the country did not descend into anarchy despite political divisions.

What did the Federalists fear in relation to the French Revolution?

They feared radical democratic thought and sought to preserve social stability.

What did Thomas Jefferson express about the French Revolution?

He would rather see 'half the earth desolated' than see the revolution fail.

What did the Federalists believe about the relationship with Britain?

They believed it was necessary for American prosperity and to maintain neutrality in European conflicts.

What was the public sentiment towards the French Revolution in the early stages?

Most Americans initially praised it and celebrated its principles.

What was a major consequence of the French Revolution for American politics?

It polarized opinions, leading to a split between those who supported the revolution and those who feared its chaos.

What did the Federalists and Republicans represent in the context of early U.S. politics?

Federalists favored strong ties with Britain, while Republicans supported France and were wary of monarchy.

What was the outcome of the Federalist and Republican debates over Jay's Treaty?

It solidified their identities as distinct political parties.

What phrase did South Carolina representative Robert Goodloe Harper use to express opposition to tribute payments?

"Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute."

What was the public sentiment in Charleston regarding the French navy in 1798?

People feared an invasion force from the French navy, potentially consisting of Black troops from France's Caribbean colonies.

What was the French Quasi-War?

A conflict fought on the Atlantic between French naval vessels and American merchant ships during a period of heightened anxiety about foreign agents.

What were the Alien and Sedition Acts?

Laws passed in 1798 intended to prevent French agents from compromising national security, but also targeted Americans who criticized the government.

What did the Alien Act allow the federal government to do?

It allowed the deportation of foreign nationals deemed a national security threat.

What did the Sedition Act permit the government to prosecute?

It allowed prosecution for speaking or publishing 'false, scandalous, and malicious writing' against the government.

How did the Alien and Sedition Acts affect public opinion on free speech?

They sparked a backlash that led to a broader interpretation of free speech as the ability to express opinions without fear of prosecution.

Who were the prominent figures opposing the Alien and Sedition Acts?

James Madison and Thomas Jefferson.

What did the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions assert?

They argued that the national government's authority was limited to powers granted by the Constitution and that states could declare federal laws unconstitutional.

What was the general attitude toward religion and government in the United States in 1776?

All thirteen states had established, official, tax-supported state churches, and required officeholders to profess a certain faith.

What is disestablishment in the context of American religious history?

The gradual process of separating church and state, culminating in Massachusetts ending support for an official religious denomination in 1833.

What was the significance of the Statute for Religious Freedom proposed by Jefferson?

It aimed to prevent public money from supporting religion, reflecting a desire for separation of church and state.

How did South Carolina's approach to religious freedom evolve after the Revolution?

It dropped denominational restrictions in its 1778 constitution, allowing any church with at least fifteen adult males to become recognized for tax purposes.

What was the role of the Illuminati scare in 1798?

It fueled fears of foreign influence and conspiracy, particularly among New Englanders, and contributed to anti-French sentiment.

What did James Wilson argue regarding free speech?

He believed that authors are responsible for their writings when they threaten the security or welfare of the government.

How did the Alien and Sedition Acts reflect the views of most Federalists?

They represented a conservative approach to the American Revolution, prioritizing national security over individual liberties.

What was the impact of the Alien and Sedition Acts on the press?

They led to the indictment and prosecution of several Republican printers and a congressman for criticizing President Adams.