Unit #3 Critical Period and Jeffersonian Era

Shay’s Rebellion

Only a few years after the Revolutionary War (1786 to 1787), many were left in debt. Farmer Daniel Shay led over 1,000 farmers in closing the Massachusetts courts so their land wouldn’t be seized since they didn’t pay taxes. This is important because Massachusetts actually lowered taxes, which alarmed the federal government as it brought about fears that a mob could control the government.

US Constitution

The Constitution is the second government of the US after the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution was made after the government realized how weak the nation was under the AoC. The Constitution gave the government powers such as the power to tax and regulate commerce. This is important because it represents the push for a stronger government and fears of a mobocracy.

Great Compromise

The Great Compromise resulted from the dispute between small and large states over how they’d be represented. Smaller states wanted equal votes per state (the New Jersey Plan) while larger states wanted votes to be based on population (the Virginia Plan). A compromise was reached: there would be a two-house Congress made up of a Senate (two votes per state) and a House of Representatives (based on population). This is important because it showed how the government wasn’t made unanimously, but built on deals and compromises.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Since the HoR was based on population, southern states obviously wanted their slave populations to be counted towards the number of seats they had and the northern states didn’t. Eventually, a compromise was reached in that three-fifths of a slave population would count in a state’s representation. This did not mean a slave’s vote counted for three-fifths of a white man’s vote. This is important because it depicts the dehumanization of Black Americans and the tension between the north and south.

Federalism

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central government and states. It does not refer to a political party. This is important because it is the system of government the Constitution is built on and represents the shift of government power from the AoC. It also led to the formation of the Federalist party, one of the first political parties in the US.

Separation of Powers

Separation of powers is also called checks and balances, It is a system between the different branches of government (legislative, executive, judicial) which balances power between them so that no branch can dominate the government and jeopardize the liberties of american citizens. This is important because it is a vital part of the government and shows now the government was constructed with citizen's rights in mind.

Bill of Rights

The Bill of Rights was not part of the original constitution, but the first ten Amendments made to it. Both Federalists and Anti-Federalists thought there should be a BoR, And since many delegates refused to ratify the constitution unless a BoR was added, James Madison presented congress with the first ten Amendments. mis is important as the BoR would do on to define the American sense of freedom.

The Federalist Papers

The Federalist papers is a collection of essays written to gather support for the new constitution. donn Jay got sick after writing five, James Madisan wrote twenty-nine, and Hamilton wrote the other fifty one. The essays were published anonymously and aimed to dispel fears about a stronger government. This is important because it represented one side on the discussion for ratifying the constitution. Alexander Hamilton would then go on to become a leader of the Federalist party.

Loose vs Strict Constructionists

Mainly the south opposed Hamilton's financial plan, and insisted that his plan was not authorized by the constitution because it never said anything about making stuff like a national bank, but Hamilton said that the constitution also was anything for the "general welfare". Strict constructionists (who were typically Democratic Republicans) believed the constitution should be followed to a T while loose constructionists (typically Federalists) thought it was up for interpretation. This is important as it shows the different perspectives on government and would influence later presidencies.

Federalist Party

The Federalist party was lead by people like Hamilton and Washington, They believed in a strong central government, favored close ties with Britain, and envisioned the US as an industrial economy. They had little faith in the common people when it came to politics. Federalists tended to be successful merchants, farmers, lawyers, and political leaders. The Federalist Party is important as they influenced American development and were one of the first political parties.

Democratic-Republican Party

The Democratic Republican party was led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. They favored a weaker central government (stronger state governments) and pictured the US as self-sustaining agrarian nation. They had move faith in people when it came to politics and also supported France more. They were usually southerners and smaller farmers, The Democratic Republican party is important as they were one of the rival political parties and influenced the nation's development.

Whiskey Rebellion

Hamilton’s Whiskey Tax (part of his financial plan) would lead to the protest of Pennsylvania farmers in the back country as they tried to stop the tax collection on their distilled spirits. George Washington would lead over 10,000 men to stop the rebellion, making him the only sitting president to lead troops onto the field to stop a rebellion. This was important as it showed to Europe that the American self-government could survive.

Hamilton’s Financial Program (list the different parts)

The first part of his plan was to assume the state and old government’s (AoC) debts to establish the US as a nation that could reliably pay off debts.

Second was to say old debts through new debts that made people want the US to succeed if they ever wanted their money back.

The third was the create a Bank of the United States.

The fourth was to tax whiskey.

The fifth was to impose a tariff that would encourage domestic manufacturing.

This plan was important because it helped the US pay back their debt and legitimize them as a real nation.

Neutrality Proclamation

In 1793, George Washington issued a Proclamation of Neutrality amidst the war between Britain and France. The fact France helped the US during the Revolutionary War complicated the situation. THis is important as Washington’s proclamation would go on to influence presidential decisions in establishing a precedent for US foreign policy.

Washington’s Farewell Address

In George Washington’s farewell address, he advised the nation against political parties as he deemed them as a source of division for the nation. He also advised the US to not get into any permanent alliances with foreign nations. This is important as it foreshadowed American citizens doing the exact opposite of his warning.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions were a response to the Alien and Sedition Acts. Virginia’s Resolution (written by James Madison) called on the federal courts to protect free speech. Kentucky’s Resolution (written by Thomas Jefferson) asserted that states could nullify federal laws if deemed unconstitutional, and it was deleted. This is important as it showed how some reacted when they deemed their rights violated.

Alien and Sedition Acts

The Alien and Sedition Acts were enacted during the Adams presidency: The Alien Act allowed the federal government to depart anyone they deemed dangerous, hence the sedition. The act allowed prosecution of anyone who criticized the government. These acts are important as it sparked controversy over its perceived violation of the First Amendment.

The Revolution of 1800

Thomas Jefferson labeled his election to president and the transfer of power from Federalists to Republicans as the "revolution of 1800". He saw the win as one for American freedom as they were freed from the less democratic Federalists. This is important as this was the first time when power was peacefully transferred from one party to another.

Marbury v. Madison

In 1803, James Madison refused to acknowledge the justices of peace John Adams had appointed for the District of Columbia. Four sued for their offices, but Marshall declared a part of the Judiciary Act of 1789 as unconstitutional, ruling in favor of Madison. This is important because it set the precedent for judicial review, or the ability of the Supreme Court to declare federal law unconstitutional.

Barbary Pirates

Long before America became a nation, Barbary pirates off the coast of North Africa would take Christians off their ships and enslave them. During Jefferson’s presidency, he refused to pay the pirates their increased demand of tribute, leading to war. It would end in American victory and a treaty guaranteeing the freedom of American commerce. This is important as it was the USA's first encounter with the Islamic world.

Louisiana Purchase

In 1803, Thomas Jefferson bought about 820,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains from Napoleon for $15 million. This would more than double the territory of the US. People would criticize the president for spending their little money on what they had too much of (land). This is important as Jefferson would compromise his principle of strict constructionism to buy the land and also cause an era of westem settlement.

Embargo Act (1807)

Despite international law allowing neutral nations to trade nonmilitary goods with countries at war, France and Britain both blocked each other from trade with the US. In order to protect the nation's freedom of trade, he passed the Embargo Act of 1804 which banned any exports. This is important as the Embargo Act would fail to work, and for Jefferson’s great use of federal power.

Tecumseh

Tecumseh was a leader of the Shawnee tribe. He wanted to unite all Native Americans and resist the influence white people had on them. He encouraged natives to live like their ancestors and abandon American clothing, goods, food, and alcohol. Tecumseh also led natives in attacking American frontier settlements. This is important as Tecumseh and his attacks on America would play a role in starting the war of 1812.

War of 1812

Due to Britain's continued impressment of sailors and their alleged encouragement of Tecumseh’s attacks, James Madison declared war on Britain. The war would end with the Treaty of Ghent in 1814. This war is important as it would greatly increase American patriotism, have Andrew Jackson emerge as a war hero, and show to the rest of the world that the US was a legitimate nation. It should also be important to note that there was no territory loss or gain.

Hartford Convention

In 1814, a group of new England Federalists would meet in Hartford, Connecticut to complain about the War of 1812 and the growing Republican influence in government. They wanted to get rid of the Three-Fifths Compromise and require a two-thirds vote of Congress for things like state admission, and war declarations. But when they were done complaining, the US had already won the war so they look really un-patriotic. This is important as it would eventually lead to the death of the Federalist party.