Competing Visions: Federalists and Democratic-Republicans

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture about the early political landscape in the United States, particularly the rivalry between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans.

Federalists

Supporters of the 1787 federal constitution, advocating for a strong national government.

Democratic-Republicans

Political party opposing the Federalists, favoring limited government and agrarian interests.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.

Embargo Act of 1807

A law that prohibited American ships from trading until Britain and France ceased seizing them at sea.

XYZ Affair

The 1797 diplomatic incident where French officials demanded bribes from American diplomats.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed in 1798 that restricted immigration and civil liberties, aimed at weakening the Democratic-Republican opposition.

Naturalization Act of 1790

Legislation defining citizenship in racial terms, allowing only 'free White persons' to become citizens.

Quasi-War

An undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France from 1796 to 1800.

Louisiana Purchase

The 1803 acquisition of territory from France that doubled the size of the United States.

Marbury v. Madison

The landmark 1803 case that established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to invalidate laws.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising against the federal tax on whiskey, demonstrating the tension between federal authority and local resistance.

Revolution of 1800

The peaceful transfer of power from Federalists to Democratic-Republicans with Thomas Jefferson's election.