history test guide

What are the characteristics of an enduring democracy?

Characteristics of an enduring democracy include free and fair elections, protection of individual rights, rule of law, separation of powers, and active civic participation.

How did new national institutions shape ideas about freedom, equality & dignity?

New national institutions, such as the judiciary and legislative bodies, helped define and protect individual rights, promote equality under the law, and uphold the dignity of citizens through established legal frameworks.

How do citizens & government balance individual rights with the common good?

Citizens and government balance individual rights with the common good by creating laws that protect personal freedoms while ensuring public safety and welfare.

What problem was the Judiciary Act designed to solve?

The Judiciary Act of 1789 was designed to establish the federal court system and address the lack of a structured judicial framework in the new nation.

Hamilton believed the U.S. needed a strong _ system.

Hamilton believed the U.S. needed a strong financial system.

What are the three parts of Hamilton's Financial Plan?

The three parts of Hamilton's Financial Plan include the establishment of a national bank, the federal assumption of state debts, and the implementation of excise taxes.

How did Hamilton hope to strengthen the economy?

Hamilton hoped to strengthen the economy by creating a national bank, promoting manufacturing, and establishing a stable currency.

Why was the capital moved to Washington, D.C.?

The capital was moved to Washington, D.C. to appease Southern states and to create a neutral location that was not tied to any existing state.

What caused the Whiskey Rebellion?

The Whiskey Rebellion was caused by opposition to the excise tax on whiskey, which farmers viewed as unfair and burdensome.

How did Washington respond and what precedent did this set?

Washington responded to the Whiskey Rebellion by sending federal troops to suppress it, setting a precedent for the federal government to use military force to enforce laws.

Why did Washington issue the Proclamation of Neutrality?

Washington issued the Proclamation of Neutrality to keep the United States out of foreign conflicts, particularly the war between Britain and France.

Jay's Treaty resolved tensions with .

Jay's Treaty resolved tensions with Great Britain.

Pinckney's Treaty improved relations with _.

Pinckney's Treaty improved relations with Spain.

What were the wins and losses of Washington's foreign policy?

Wins: Maintained peace and neutrality, established key treaties. Losses: Faced criticism for Jay's Treaty and the handling of foreign relations.

What two major warnings did Washington give the nation?

Washington warned against political parties and foreign alliances.

Which warning is still important today? Why?

The warning against political parties is still important today as it highlights the potential for division and partisanship to undermine national unity.

What was the main cause of the first political parties?

The main cause of the first political parties was the disagreement over Hamilton's financial policies and the role of the federal government.

What happened during the XYZ Affair?

During the XYZ Affair, American diplomats were approached by French agents who demanded bribes to negotiate, leading to public outrage and calls for war.

Why did Adams avoid declaring war on France?

Adams avoided declaring war on France to maintain peace and avoid the financial burden of war, despite public pressure.

Why were the Alien & Sedition Acts controversial?

The Alien & Sedition Acts were controversial because they were seen as violations of the First Amendment rights to free speech and press.

The VA & KY Resolutions introduced the idea of .

The VA & KY Resolutions introduced the idea of nullification.

Why is the Election of 1800 known as a 'Revolution'?

The Election of 1800 is known as a 'Revolution' because it marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in the U.S.

What were Jefferson's goals for government?

Jefferson's goals for government included reducing the size of the federal government, promoting agrarianism, and protecting individual liberties.

What principle was established in Marbury v. Madison?

The principle established in Marbury v. Madison was judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

Why did Jefferson hesitate before buying the Louisiana Territory?

Jefferson hesitated before buying the Louisiana Territory because he was concerned about the constitutional authority to acquire new land.

How did the Louisiana Purchase change the U.S.?

The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States, providing vast new territories for expansion and settlement.

What were the main goals of the Lewis & Clark Expedition?

The main goals of the Lewis & Clark Expedition were to explore the newly acquired territory, establish trade with Native Americans, and find a route to the Pacific Ocean.

What was the most important impact of the Lewis & Clark Expedition?

The most important impact of the Lewis & Clark Expedition was the increased knowledge of the geography, flora, and fauna of the western territories.

What were three causes of the War of 1812?

Three causes of the War of 1812 included British impressment of American sailors, trade restrictions, and conflicts with Native Americans.

What was one major battle or event during the War of 1812?

One major battle during the War of 1812 was the Battle of New Orleans.

What were the consequences of the War of 1812?

The consequences of the War of 1812 included increased nationalism, the decline of the Federalist Party, and the establishment of the U.S. as a military power.

Who was the most important person of the era?

The most important person of the era is often considered to be George Washington for his leadership and role in founding the nation.

What was the most important event of the era?

The most important event of the era is often considered to be the Louisiana Purchase, which significantly expanded the United States.

What is one big connection to democracy today?

One big connection to democracy today is the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the protection of individual liberties.

What is the Judiciary Act of 1789?

The Judiciary Act of 1789 established the federal judiciary system, including the Supreme Court and lower federal courts.

What is the Cabinet?

The Cabinet is a group of the President's top advisors, typically the heads of the executive departments.

What is Hamilton's Financial Plan?

Hamilton's Financial Plan was a series of measures designed to stabilize the American economy, including the creation of a national bank.

What is the National Bank?

The National Bank is a bank chartered by the federal government to manage its finances and stabilize the economy.

What is an Excise Tax?

An excise tax is a tax on the production or sale of a specific good, such as alcohol or tobacco.

What was the Whiskey Rebellion?

The Whiskey Rebellion was a violent tax protest in the United States beginning in 1791 and ending in 1794 during George Washington's presidency.

What is Neutrality?

Neutrality is the policy of not taking sides in a conflict or war, as practiced by the United States during the early years of its existence.

What is Jay's Treaty?

Jay's Treaty was an agreement between the United States and Great Britain that resolved issues remaining since the Treaty of Paris of 1783.

What is Pinckney's Treaty?

Pinckney's Treaty was an agreement between the United States and Spain that granted the U.S. navigation rights on the Mississippi River.

What is the Farewell Address?

The Farewell Address is George Washington's final speech to the nation, in which he advised against political parties and foreign alliances.

What are Federalists?

Federalists were supporters of a strong central government and the ratification of the Constitution, led by figures like Alexander Hamilton.

What are Democratic-Republicans?

Democratic-Republicans were supporters of a limited federal government and strict interpretation of the Constitution, led by Thomas Jefferson.

What is Loose Interpretation?

Loose interpretation is the belief that the Constitution allows for broader powers of the federal government beyond what is explicitly stated.

What is Strict Interpretation?

Strict interpretation is the belief that the Constitution should be interpreted literally, limiting the powers of the federal government.

What is the XYZ Affair?

The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident between the United States and France that led to an undeclared war known as the Quasi-War.

What is Quasi-War?

The Quasi-War was an undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France from 1798 to 1800.

What are the Alien & Sedition Acts?

The Alien & Sedition Acts were laws passed in 1798 that allowed the government to deport foreigners and prosecute critics of the government.

What are the Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions?

The Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions were political statements that argued states could nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional.

What is Nullification?

Nullification is the idea that states have the right to invalidate any federal law they believe violates the Constitution.

What is Judicial Review?

Judicial Review is the power of the courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.

What is Marbury v. Madison?

Marbury v. Madison is a landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review in the United States.

What is the Louisiana Purchase?

The Louisiana Purchase was the acquisition of the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States.

What is the Lewis & Clark Expedition?

The Lewis & Clark Expedition was an exploration of the western territories of the United States, commissioned by Thomas Jefferson.

What is an Embargo?

An embargo is a government order that restricts commerce or trade with a specific country or countries.

What is Impressment?

Impressment is the act of forcing individuals into military service, particularly used by the British Navy against American sailors.

What are War Hawks?

War Hawks were members of Congress who advocated for war against Great Britain in the lead-up to the War of 1812.

What is the Treaty of Ghent?

The Treaty of Ghent was the agreement that ended the War of 1812, restoring relations between the United States and Great Britain.

What is Nationalism?

Nationalism is a sense of pride and devotion to one's nation, often leading to the desire for independence or self-governance.