Key Concepts in Early U.S. History (1789-1815)

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and figures from the early years of American history, focusing on the presidencies of George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Established the federal court system, creating district courts, circuit courts, and the office of Attorney General.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution that protect individual liberties.

Precedent

An example set by Washington for future presidents, including the two-term limit and the establishment of an executive cabinet.

Hamilton’s Financial Plan

A plan that included funding federal debts, assuming state debts, an excise tax, protective tariffs, and the establishment of a National Bank.

Proclamation of Neutrality (1793)

Declared that the U.S. would stay out of the French Revolutionary Wars.

Jay Treaty (1795)

Agreement in which Britain agreed to leave northwestern forts; criticized for being too pro-British.

Pinckney Treaty (1795)

Agreement with Spain granting the U.S. access to the Mississippi River and right of deposit in New Orleans.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic crisis in which French agents demanded bribes from American envoys, leading to public outrage.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws that restricted citizenship and made criticizing the government illegal; targeted Democratic-Republicans.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

Acquisition of territory from France, which doubled the size of the U.S. for $15 million.

Impressment

The British practice of kidnapping American sailors to serve in the Royal Navy.

Embargo Act (1807)

Law that stopped all U.S. exports to force Britain and France to respect U.S. neutrality, but hurt the U.S. economy.

Macon’s Bill #2

Reopened trade with Britain and France and promised to embargo one if the other stopped attacks on U.S. ships.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established the principle of judicial review in the U.S. legal system.

War of 1812

Conflict between the U.S. and Britain that included key events such as the burning of Washington and the Battle of New Orleans.

Era of Good Feelings

Period marked by national unity and the dominance of the Democratic-Republican party after the War of 1812.