U.S. Constitution, Amendments, and Early Federal Policies

Bill of Rights-What is it? Who write it? How many amendments were proposed? How many passed?

Translates to 'A process', mainly produced by Congressman James Madison, with 200 proposed amendments narrowed down to 12 amendments, of which 10 passed the amendment requirements.

1st Amendment

Freedom of: Religion, Speech, Press, Peaceful Assembly, Petition the government.

2nd Amendment

Right to: Bear arms, protection of militias, government limitation.

3rd Amendment

Freedom from the Quartering Act.

4th Amendment

Secures: Persons, homes, papers, etc... Probable Cause needed to search.

5th Amendment

Cannot be tried for the same crime many times (Due process required).

6th Amendment

People have the right to a speedy trial; trial must be fair with unbiased judges.

7th Amendment

Protects rights to: Have a jury, limit judges' ability to change verdicts.

8th Amendment

Protects people from excessive bail, unfair fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

People have rights not specifically listed in the constitution, e.g., right to marry, right to make personal decisions, right to travel freely.

10th Amendment

Any powers that are not given to the federal government by the constitution are given to the people (Powers reserved to the states/people).

Federalist Paper 69--What does it discuss?

Discusses the powers of the president compared to a king and a state governor.

Washington's First Administration--Who is it made up of?

Cabinet made up of Treasury: Alexander Hamilton, State: Thomas Jefferson, War: John Knox, Justice: Edmund Randolph.

Hamilton's National Economy Plan--What are his goals?

Goals include establishing good credit, paying down debt, establishing the Bank of the US, and raising revenue through duties.

Foreign Debt Amount

$11,000,000.

US Debt Amount

$42,000,000.

State Debt Amount

$20,000,000.

Jay Treaty (1794)--What does it fail to do?

Fails to adjust British reimbursement for captured cargos and enslaved people; eventually ratified but remains a political debate.

Pinckney Treaty (1795-1796)--Why is it a success?

Opens up the Mississippi River for American ships, allows transport duty-free, settles border dispute with Spain, encourages westward expansion.

Election of 1800--Who won? Who can in second? What was odd?

The Federalists split; Jefferson wins the election and becomes president, Burr is the Vice President.

Marbury vs Madison (1803)--Who is Chief Justice? What does it establish? How?

John Marshall is the Chief Justice; establishes judicial review allowing the Supreme Court to strike down unconstitutional laws.

XYZ Affair--What does it lead to? What does it do?

The French demands a bribe from Adams to negotiate with the French Prime Minister, leading to the Quasi War.

Alien Acts

Allows president to deport foreigners they think are dangerous.

Sedition Acts

Makes it illegal to criticize the government.

Responses from Virginia and Kentucky of the Alien/Sedition Acts?

Jefferson and Madison's ideas claim states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws.

Cabinet--What is it made up of?

Made up of different parts including Treasury, State, War, and Justice.

Judiciary Act (1789)

Created different court levels below the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court--Made up of what?

Initially had 6 Justices and 13 distinct courts.

Hamilton's National Economy Plan--What are the goals?

Goals include establishing good credit, paying down debt, establishing Bank of the US, and raising revenue thru duties.

Loose Reading--Whose interpretation? What does it allow?

Hamilton's interpretation allowing for a strong national government.

Strict Reading--Whose interpretation? Why do they want that?

Jefferson's interpretation wanting less power for the congress and more for the states.

Pressure on Washington--What does he do?

Washington declared Neutrality resulting in division in his cabinet.

Campaign of 1796--Who are the canidates?

Democratic Republicans did not like Hamilton; candidates included Jefferson, Burr, Adams, and Pinckney.

Washington's Foreign Policies

Advocates for neutrality, keeping the US out of wars and alliances.

Adams' Foreign Policies

Deals with the Quasi War; defends US interests without declaring war.