APUSH unit 2 Part 2 Key Terms

3/5ths Compromise

Compromise between Northern and Southern Constitutional delegates that resulted in each slave being counted as 60% of a person

Alien and Sedition Acts

Harsh (and unconstitutional) laws aimed at radical immigrants and Jeffersonian writers

Anti-Federalists

The opponents of the new Constitution who argued against creating such a strong central government

Articles of Confederation

First written constitution of the United States with strong state governments and a weak central government

Assumption Bill

Hamilton's policy of having the federal government pay the financial obligations (debts) of the states

Bank of the United States (BUS)

Institution established by Hamilton to create a stable currency and bitterly opposed by states-righters.

Coverture

The legal status of a married woman, considered to be under her husband's protection and authority

Democratic-Republican Party

Political party that emphasized states rights and a pro- French foreign policy

Electoral College

Group appointed by each state who formally elect the President (and Vice President).

Federalist Papers

A masterly series of pro- constitution articles printed in the New York by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay

Federalist Party

Political Party that believed in a strong government run by the wealthy, government aid to business, and a pro-British foreign policy.

Fugitive Slave Clause

Constitutional provision that requires states to return freedom seekers back to enslaved plantations

Jay Treaty (1794)

Do cument signed in 1794 whose terms favoring Britain outraged Americans, especially Jeffersonian Republicans, and demonstrated the U.S. was no real concern to England.

Loose Construction

A broad interpretation of the Constitution, widening the authority of the central government (usually superseding state authority)

Northwest Ordinance (1787)

Legislation that provided for the orderly transformation of western territories into states and outlawed enslavement in the region

Pinckney's Treaty (1794)

Unexpected agreement granting the United States free navigation of the Mississippi River

Proclamation of Neutrality (1793)

Policy of President Washington based on the belief that the U.S. could and should not really compete militarily with the major world powers.

"Republican Motherhood"

The idea that American women had a special responsibility to cultivate "civic virtue" in their children

Shays' Rebellion

A revolt in 1786 by poor debtor (western) farmers that exposed several weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation

Strict Construction

A narrow interpretation of the Constitution placing limits of centralized authority, granting greater authority to states

Treaty of Greenville

Document that forced Native Americans to relocate west of Ohio Territory and allow for white settlement

Washington's Farewell Address

Message telling America that it should avoid unnecessary foreign entanglements (wars and alliances), cautioned about regionalism and influence of political parties

Whiskey Rebellion

A revolt of poor western farmers that was firmly suppressed by Washington and Hamilton's army, proving the effectiveness of the Constitution

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Political theory formulated by Jefferson and Madison declaring that the 13 states had created the constitution and could nullify federal laws considered unconstitutional

XYZ Affair

Incident in which 3 French agents attempted to extract bribes form American diplomats in 1797