Federal Government Structure & Washington Administration

House of Representatives vs. Senate

Direct vs. indirect election by the people or State legislatures

Federalism

Division of authority between national and state governments

Delegated powers

Exclusive powers of the federal government (e.g., currency, declare war)

Reserved powers

Exclusive powers of state governments (e.g., local governance, marriage)

Concurrent powers

Powers shared by national and state governments (e.g., taxation)

Separation of Powers

Division of government into Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches

Checks and Balances

System where each branch of government limits the powers of the others

Electoral College

Indirect election system for the President and Vice-President

Voting Limitations

Restrictions due to public information and communication constraints

Montesquieu

Philosopher whose ideas influenced the Separation of Powers

Twelfth Amendment

Changed Electoral College to separate ballots for President and Vice-President

Hamilton's Financial Program

Debate over a National Bank's constitutionality and economic regulation

Strict Constructionists vs. Loose Constructionists

Jefferson vs. Hamilton's views on interpreting the Constitution

Washington's Cabinet

Advisors appointed by Washington to head various departments

Jay's Treaty

1794 agreement preventing war with Britain over Northwest territory

Pinckney's Treaty

1796 treaty opening Mississippi River to American trade

Battle of Fallen Timbers

1794 conflict removing Indian tribes from Ohio territory

XYZ Affair

French demand for bribe from the USA, leading to strained relations

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws allowing expulsion of foreigners and restricting press freedom