Early Republic

Shays' Rebellion

A revolt led by farmers in 1786-1787 to protest high taxes and debt, exposing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Weakness of the Articles of Confederation

The national government could not collect taxes, make laws, or raise a national army.

Constitutional Convention compromise related to Congress

The Great Compromise created a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Federalists

Supporters of a strong central government who backed the new Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of a strong central government who worried it would take power from the states.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement that three out of every five enslaved people would count toward a state’s population for representation.

George Washington's role in the Constitutional Convention

He led the convention and later became the first president of the United States.

James Madison's contribution to the Constitution

He is known as the 'Father of the Constitution' for his role in drafting and promoting it.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual rights.

The Marshall Court

The Supreme Court led by Chief Justice John Marshall that established the principle of judicial review.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to decide if laws are constitutional, established in Marbury v. Madison.

Outcome of the election of 1800

Thomas Jefferson was elected president after a tie with Aaron Burr was decided in the House of Representatives.

Causes of the War of 1812

British interference with American shipping, impressment of sailors, and British support for Native American resistance.

Treaty of Ghent

The agreement that ended the War of 1812 and restored pre-war boundaries.

Missouri Compromise of 1820

An agreement to maintain the balance between free and slave states by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state.

Monroe Doctrine

A policy stating that the Western Hemisphere was closed to further European colonization.

Influence of Britain on U.S. policy

Britain was a crucial trading partner but also interfered with American shipping, leading to tensions.

Influence of France on U.S. policy

France had supported the U.S. in the Revolutionary War but later dealt with its own conflicts, affecting U.S. neutrality.

Federalists' belief about government

They believed in a strong central government and a powerful national economy.

Democratic-Republicans' belief about government

They favored states' rights and a smaller federal government.

The Great Compromise

Established a bicameral Congress to satisfy both large and small states.

Civic virtue as viewed in the early republic

The belief that democracy depends on the commitment of citizens to promote the common good.

The significance of the War of 1812

It boosted American nationalism and marked the decline of the Federalist Party.

Fears of Anti-Federalists

They worried a strong central government would infringe on individual rights and state powers.

George Washington's cabinet

Advisors whom he selected to help make decisions and govern.

Thomas Jefferson's vision for America

He envisioned an agrarian society with power in the hands of the states.

First peaceful transfer of power

The election of 1800 marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in U.S. history.

The impact of the Missouri Compromise

It temporarily eased tensions between the North and South over the issue of slavery.

The main purpose of the Monroe Doctrine

To deter European powers from colonizing or interfering in the Americas.

Alexander Hamilton's impact

He strongly advocated for a national bank and a powerful central government.

The implications of the War of 1812

It reaffirmed U.S. independence and unity against foreign threats.

Washington's presidency

Set crucial precedents for future presidents, including term limits.

Outcome of the War of 1812

No territorial gains for either side, but a surge of national pride in the U.S.

Role of slavery in the constitutional debates

It created significant divisions between Northern and Southern states, influencing compromises.

Importance of the Declaration of Independence

It articulated the principles of individual rights and government by consent.

Jefferson's foreign policy

Emphasized neutrality and avoiding entanglement in European affairs.

The War of 1812's effect on American industry

It stimulated domestic manufacturing due to blockades imposed by Britain.

Significance of the Election of 1800

It showcased the resilience of the American political system and its ability to handle electoral conflict.