Study Guide for Early Republic

Shays’ Rebellion

A rebellion led by farmers in 1786-1787 who were angry over debts and the seizure of their farms, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Articles of Confederation

Original framework for the U.S. government, characterized by a weak national government lacking an executive or judicial branch.

Connecticut (Great) Compromise

Provided for a bicameral legislature with representation in the House based on population and equal representation in the Senate.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement on how slaves would be counted for representation and taxation purposes, counting each slave as three-fifths of a person.

Electoral College Compromise

Established a system for electing the president, balancing direct popular vote with congressional selection.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for the U.S. government that included a bicameral legislature and emphasized separation of powers.

George Mason

Author of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, advocating for natural rights.

James Madison

Father of the Constitution who played a significant role at the Constitutional Convention and authored the Virginia Plan.

George Washington

Presided over the Constitutional Convention and set important precedents as the first U.S. president.

Alexander Hamilton

Proponent of a strong federal government who sought to create a new government rather than amend the Articles of Confederation.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who advocated for a strong central government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared an overly powerful central government and demanded a bill of rights.

Ratification of the Constitution

The Constitution required nine of thirteen states to ratify it, leading to significant debate and opposition.

Marbury v. Madison

Case that established the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Supreme Court ruling affirming the federal government's implied powers over the states.

Gibbons v. Ogden

Case that clarified the power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce.

Judicial review

The power of the courts to invalidate laws or executive actions deemed unconstitutional.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, addressing Anti-Federalist concerns about individual liberties.

Virginia Declaration of Rights

Document asserting the rights of citizens and the government's purpose, mainly drafted by George Mason.

Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom

Legislation establishing the separation of church and state and guaranteeing religious freedom.

General organization of the Constitution

Establishes three branches of government with checks and balances, includes the Bill of Rights.

Precedents set by Washington

Included serving two terms, forming a cabinet, and warning against foreign entanglement.

Whiskey Rebellion

Uprising by whiskey farmers against a tax, highlighting federal authority and the use of armed forces.

Jay’s Treaty

Agreement resolving issues with Britain, including trade and debts, controversial in its impact.

Beginning of political parties

Emergence of the Democratic-Republicans and the Federalists during Washington's presidency.

Farewell Address

Washington's advice against political party conflicts and foreign alliances.

Quasi War

Undeclared naval conflict between the U.S. and France, stemming from tensions over treaties.

XYZ Affair

Diplomatic incident where French officials demanded bribes from U.S. diplomats, leading to public outrage.

Alien & Sedition Acts

Laws allowing for the jailing and deportation of non-citizens deemed a threat and restricting speech against the government.

Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions

Statements asserting that states could nullify federal laws considered unconstitutional.

Election of 1800

A significant political shift where Thomas Jefferson tied with John Adams, leading to the 12th amendment.

First Barbary War

Conflict against piracy by North African states, marking the U.S. refusal to pay tribute.

Louisiana Purchase

Acquisition of territory from France that doubled the size of the United States.

Lewis & Clark expedition

Exploratory mission to map and study the new western territories acquired in the Louisiana Purchase.

War of 1812

Conflict caused by maritime disputes, leading to significant battles and outcomes including increased nationalism.

Era of Good Feelings

Period of national unity and one-party rule during Monroe's presidency.

Missouri Compromise of 1820

Legislation that regulated the extension of slavery in the western territories.

Spanish Florida

Acquisition of Florida from Spain following military actions led by Andrew Jackson.

Monroe Doctrine

Policy opposing European colonization in the Americas, asserting U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere.

Election of 1824

Controversial election leading to the rise of John Quincy Adams despite losing the popular vote.

Second party system

Political realignment resulting in a competition between National Republicans and Democrats.

Election of 1828

Election where Andrew Jackson defeated John Adams, marking a shift in political power.