history key terms

loose constitution

a broad interpretation of the constitution, meaning that congress has powers beyond those specifically listed in the constitution

nullify

to refuse to recognize a federal law. this action by a state is called nullification

sedition

the crime of encouraging rebellion against the government

states doctrine

the theory that rights not specifically given to the federal government by the constitution remain within the states

strict constitution

a narrow interpretation of the constitution meaning that congress has only those powers specifically listed in the constitution

washingtons farewell adress

george washingtons 1796 parting message to the nation,, in which he warned of threats to the nations future

whiskey rebellion

an armed revolt by farmers in 1794 against an exicse tax on whiskey

blockade

a closing off of an area to keep people or supplies from going in or out

embargo

a government order that forbids trade with another country

isolationsim

a policy of not choosing sides in a dispute or war between other countries

monroe doctorine

president james monroe’s declaration in 1823 that the western hemisphere was no longer open to european colonization

neutrality

a policy of not choosing sides in a dispute or war between other countries

american system

a proposal to the government that called for taxes on imports, federally funded transportation projects, and a new national bank

capittalism

an economic system in which farms and buisnesses are privately owned and operated for profit

frontier

land that is inhabited by Indigenous people or uninhabited and where settlements become sparce. in the united states the frontier moved westas the largely white settler population grew

spiritual

a religious folk song of african american orgin

civil servant

an employee of the government

jacksonian democracy

the period from 1828 to 1860 when democratic ideas and reforms promoted greater participation in government among ordinary people

secede

to withdraw from an organization or an alliance

spoils system

the practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs

tariff

a tax imposed by the government on goods imported from another country

trail of tears

the removal of cherokee from georgia to indian territory in 1838 and 1839