George Washington

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary terms and concepts from early U.S. history, focusing on the presidencies and key events from 1789 to the Age of Jackson.

George Washington

1st President of the United States who served from 1789-1797 and set many important precedents.

Washington’s Main Challenge

Stabilizing the new nation and laying a strong foundation

Census of 1790

1st official count of the US population.

Fulfill the Constitution, ensure fair representation, distribute taxes fairly, and guide national planning

Cabinet

Group of top officials who advised the President

Precedent

An action or decision that serves as an example for future cases.

-Called Mr. President

-Serve only 2 terms (8 years)

-Cabinet of advisors

Neutrality Proclamation

A declaration by President Washington in 1793 stating that the U.S. would not support either Britain or France during their war.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising of farmers against a tax on whiskey that was quelled by Washington, showing federal strength.

Farewell Address

A letter written by Washington in 1796 advising the nation to avoid political parties and foreign alliances.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Created federal courts-solved weakness of Articles of Confederation

Suffrage

The right to vote in political elections.

Abolitionism

The movement to end slavery, which gained momentum during the Age of Jackson.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed by John Adams that aimed to restrict immigration and limit free speech, associated with political conflict.

Jacksonian Democracy

A political philosophy that expanded voting rights to more white males and emphasized the role of the common man in government.

Hamilton’s Financial Plan

3 part plan to strengthen the US economy

1. Bank of the United States

2. Federal government assumes states debt

3. Tariffs

Federalists

Party of Hamilton and Adams

Strong central government and central bank

Protective Tariff

Powerful Navy

Favored businesses and wealthy

Loose interpretation of Constitution

Support from New York and New England

Democratic-Republicans

Party of Jefferson and Madison

Weak central government

State banks

Minimal Navy

Democracy for farmers and craftsmen-ordinary people

Jay’s Treaty with Britian

British agreed to remove lingering troops in western forts in exchange for trade rights with US

Pinckney Treaty w/ Spain

-US gained rights to Mississippi River and port of New Orleans

-Solidified southern & western borders