Untitled Flashcards Set

Oregon Country

A vast region that included parts of present-day Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, contested between the U.S. and Britain.

Mexican Cession

Territory ceded to the United States by Mexico in 1848, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming.

Gadsden Purchase

An 1853 agreement in which the U.S. acquired land from Mexico (present-day southern Arizona and New Mexico) for $10 million.

Marbury v. Madison

The 1803 case where the Supreme Court established the principle of judicial review, increasing federal power.

Fletcher v. Peck

The 1810 case that upheld the sanctity of contracts, asserting that state laws cannot invalidate contracts.

Martin v. Hunter’s Lessee

The 1816 case that affirmed the Supreme Court's authority over state courts in matters of federal law.

McCulloch v. Maryland

The 1819 case that established the federal government's implied powers and denied states the power to tax federal entities.

Cohens v. Virginia

The 1821 case that reinforced federal supremacy by allowing the Supreme Court to review state court decisions.

Gibbons v. Ogden

The 1824 case that expanded Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce.

Washington’s Farewell Address

George Washington's 1796 speech warning against political factions and foreign alliances.

Federalists

The first political party that favored a strong central government and a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

Democratic Republicans

The political party that advocated for states' rights and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

Jay’s Treaty

A 1794 agreement that resolved issues between the U.S. and Britain, preventing war and facilitating trade.

XYZ Affair

A 1797 diplomatic incident involving a French demand for bribes, leading to an undeclared naval conflict.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed in 1798 restricting immigrants' rights and curtailing free speech, leading to the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions.

Impressment

The act of forcing American sailors into the British Navy, a primary cause of the War of 1812.

Embargo Act

A law passed in 1807 that prohibited American ships from trading in all foreign ports.

War of 1812

A conflict between the U.S. and Britain over issues like trade restrictions and impressment.

Battle of Baltimore/Fort McHenry

significant battle during the War of 1812, where American forces successfully defended Fort McHenry from British attack, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'

Treaty of Ghent

The 1814 agreement that ended the War of 1812 and restored relations between the U.S. and Britain.

Status Quo Ante Bellum

A term meaning the state of affairs that existed before the War of 1812.

Battle of New Orleans

The final major battle of the War of 1812, where General Andrew Jackson led a significant U.S. victory.

Monroe Doctrine

The 1823 policy warning European powers against further colonization or interference in the Americas.

Spoils System

The practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs.

Tariff Issue

Disputes over federal tariffs that caused Southern states to threaten secession.

Indian Removal Act

The 1830 law authorizing the forced relocation of Native American tribes to lands west of the Mississippi River.

National Bank

The bank established in 1816 to serve as the fiscal agent of the U.S. government.

Popular Politics

A system where the voting public has more direct influence over the election of political leaders.

Opponents view Andrew Jackson as king

Critics argued that Jackson abused presidential power.

Supporters view Andrew Jackson as expanding democracy

Supporters believed Jackson's policies brought greater participation in government.