Creation of the American Republic and the Early Nation

Vocabulary flashcards covering the Articles of Confederation, Constitutional Convention debates, Federalist vs. Anti-Federalist views, the early presidencies of Washington and Adams, and Tennessee statehood.

Articles of Confederation

The first national government of the United States, which gave states more power than the federal government and had no power to tax, no strong central government, no ability to stop state conflicts, and no executive or judicial branches.

Land Ordinance of 1785

A measure that set up a system for surveying and dividing new land in the western territories, equally dividing up the Northwest Territory.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

A plan created for how new territories could become states, requiring a federally assigned governor, five thousand free adult males, and a population of $60{,}000$ people.

Shay's Rebellion

A revolt in western Massachusetts led by farmers and former soldiers angry about heavy taxes, growing debt, and the seizure of their land, which exposed the weakness of the national government under the Articles of Confederation.

Lost State of Franklin

A region in present-day eastern Tennessee (then western North Carolina) where settlers attempted to establish their own state, but failed to secure the required $\frac{2}{3}$ vote for congressional approval under the Articles of Confederation.

James Madison

A prominent Federalist and the writer recognized as the "Father" of the Constitution.

George Washington

The President of the Constitutional Convention who later became the first U.S. President, establishing precedents such as the Presidential Cabinet and serving two terms.

Virginia Plan

A constitutional proposal supported by large states that sought governmental representation based on population.

New Jersey Plan

A constitutional proposal supported by small states that sought equal representation for all states in government.

Great Compromise

An agreement establishing a bicameral Congress consisting of the House of Representatives, based on population, and the Senate, based on equal representation.

3/5th Compromise

An agreement that allowed $\frac{3}{5}$ of a state's enslaved population to count toward its total population for the purpose of determining representation.

Preamble

The introductory part of the Constitution that explains its purpose, states why it was written, and outlines core governing principles such as separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism.

Separation of Powers

The division of government responsibilities into three distinct branches: executive, judicial, and legislative.

Checks and Balances

A principle where the government limits each branch's power to prevent any single branch from becoming too strong.

Federalism

The division and balance of power between the national government and the state governments.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution—such as James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton—who lived mainly in coastal cities, worked in trade and commerce, and advocated for a strong central government and stronger foreign trade relations.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution—such as George Mason and Patrick Henry—who were primarily rural farmers, feared excessive federal power, and demanded more power for states as well as the inclusion of a bill of rights.

Whiskey Rebellion

An uprising by farmers protesting a federal tax on whiskey, which was suppressed by federal troops sent by George Washington, proving the strength of the national government under the Constitution compared to the Articles of Confederation.

Washington's Farewell Address

A final statement in which George Washington warned against the formation of political parties and advised the United States to maintain neutrality in foreign affairs.

Federalist Party

A political faction led by Alexander Hamilton that favored a loose interpretation of the Constitution, a national bank, manufacturing and industry, and the supremacy of the federal government over state governments.

Democratic-Republicans

A political faction led by Thomas Jefferson that favored a strict interpretation of the Constitution, opposed a national bank, championed farming and agriculture, and favored state government power over federal power.

XYZ Affair

A 1797 diplomatic scandal where three French agents demanded a bribe and a loan from American diplomats sent by President John Adams before negotiations could begin, causing public outrage and calls for war with France.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed in 1798 by a Federalist-controlled Congress to silence government critics and weaken Democratic-Republicans; the Alien Acts restricted immigrants and permitted deportation of perceived threats, while the Sedition Act criminalized speaking or writing against the government.

Tennessee Constitution of 1796

The governing document adopted when Tennessee became the 16th state, establishing three branches of government, a Bill of Rights, and voting rights for all free men aged 21 and older regardless of property ownership.