Unit 4: Launching the New Republic Terms

loose construction

a broad interpretation of the Constitution, meaning that Congress has powers beyond those specifically given in the Constitution

nullify

to refuse to recognize a federal law. This action by a state is called nullification.

sedition

the crime of encouraging rebellion against the government

States' Doctrine

the theory that rights not specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution remain with the states

strict construction

a narrow interpretation of the Constitution, meaning that Congress has only those powers specifically given in the Constitution

Washington's Farewell Address

His parting message to the nation, given in 1796, in which he warned of threats to the nation's future

Whiskey Rebellion

a revolt by farmers in 1794 against an excise tax on whiskey

Blockade

a closing off of an area to keep people or supplies from going in or out

Embargo

a government order that forbids trade with another country

Isolationism

a policy of avoiding political or military agreements with other countries

Monroe Doctrine

President James Monroe's declaration in 1823 that the Western Hemisphere was no longer open to European colonization

Neutrality

a policy of not choosing sides in a dispute or war between other countries

American system

a proposal to the government that called for taxes on imports, federally funded transportation projects, and a new national bank

capitalism

an economic system based on the private ownership of farms and businesses

folk art

art made by ordinary people (as opposed to trained artists) using traditional methods

frontier

unexplored wilderness at the edge of the country

spiritual

a religious folk song of African American origin

civil servant

an employee of the government

Jacksonian Democracy

the idea that the common people should control the government

Secede

to withdraw from an organization or alliance

Spoils System

the practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs

Trail of Tears

the removal of Cherokee Indians from Georgia to Indian Territory in 1838 and 1839

Tariff

a tax imposed by the government on goods imported from another country