APUSH Flashcards, U3 Part 2

Everything on study guide + some stuff about Federalists vs Anti-Federalists (democratic republicans)

Describe the Land Ordinance of 1785 

A law that divided western lands into townships of 36 sections (one square mile each) to be sold for revenue. It organized how land in the Northwest Territory would be surveyed and sold, encouraging orderly settlement and reserving one section per township for public education.

Explain the problems with the Articles of Confederation - what were its major weaknesses and why were these weaknesses? 

The Articles created a weak central government with no power to tax, regulate trade, or enforce laws. Congress had to rely on states for money, each state had one vote regardless of size, and laws required approval by 9 of 13 states. These weaknesses stemmed from fear of a strong central authority like Britain’s monarchy.

Describe some objections to the original Constitution (before the Bill of Rights was added) 

Anti-Federalists argued the Constitution gave too much power to the federal government, lacked explicit protections of individual rights, and threatened states’ authority. They feared it would create an elite ruling class similar to Britain’s monarchy.

Explain why states wouldn’t ratify the Constitution until the adding of the Bill of Rights 

Many states refused to ratify without guaranteed protections for individual freedoms (speech, religion, press, due process). The Bill of Rights, added in 1791, satisfied these concerns by limiting federal power and protecting citizens’ rights.

Briefly describe the differences between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists 

Federalists supported a strong central government, favored the Constitution, and were often wealthy merchants or urban elites (like Hamilton and Madison). Anti-Federalists wanted stronger state governments, opposed the Constitution without a Bill of Rights, and were often farmers or rural citizens (like Patrick Henry).

Explain the economic powers of the federal government under the Constitution 

The federal government could levy taxes, regulate interstate and foreign commerce, coin money, and control trade policy. These powers strengthened the economy compared to the Articles of Confederation, where Congress lacked these abilities.

Briefly describe the 10th amendment 

The 10th Amendment states that powers not delegated to the federal government or prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or the people. It emphasizes limited government and protects states’ rights.

Describe why the federal government decided to assume state debts under Hamilton’s Plan 

Hamilton wanted the federal government to assume state debts from the Revolutionary War to establish national credit, unify the states under one financial system, and gain support from wealthy creditors who would have a stake in the federal government’s success.

Describe the concept of Republican Motherhood and explain how this influenced the way a mother parented 

Republican Motherhood was the idea that women should instill civic virtue and patriotism in their children to strengthen the republic. Mothers focused on educating children, especially sons, to be informed citizens, giving women an indirect but important political role.

Describe the causes and effects of the Jay Treaty 

Causes: British seizure of American ships, forts not evacuated after the Revolution, and trade disputes. Effects: Britain agreed to leave forts and some trade concessions, but the treaty angered many Americans for being too pro-British and failing to address impressment. It worsened partisan divisions between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

Describe the elements of the Pinckney Treaty and explain why this treaty was beneficial for America 

Signed with Spain in 1795, it gave Americans free navigation of the Mississippi River and the right of deposit in New Orleans, along with settling the Florida boundary. It benefited farmers and western settlers who depended on the Mississippi for trade.

Describe the causes of the Alien Laws and Sedition Act; how did this go against freedom of speech promised under the Constitution? 

Causes: Federalists feared foreign influence (especially French) and wanted to silence Democratic-Republican opposition. The Alien Acts made it harder for immigrants to become citizens and allowed deportation of “dangerous” foreigners. The Sedition Act criminalized criticizing the government. These laws violated the First Amendment by restricting free speech and press.

Describe the ideal American citizen, in Thomas Jefferson’s opinion 

Jefferson’s ideal citizen was the independent yeoman farmer—self-sufficient, virtuous, and tied to the land. He believed farmers best represented the democratic spirit and moral strength of the republic, in contrast to Hamilton’s vision of industrial and financial elites.

Why did the states initially want the structure of the Articles of Confederation? 

States wanted to preserve their independence and avoid a strong central government like Britain’s monarchy. The Articles gave them sovereignty and equal power.

What were the successes of the Articles of Confederation? 

The Articles successfully guided the country through the Revolutionary War, negotiated the Treaty of Paris (1783), and passed the Land Ordinance of 1785 and Northwest Ordinance of 1787, which organized western land and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.

What were the failures of the Articles of Confederation? 

They could not tax, regulate trade, raise an army, or enforce laws effectively. These failures led to economic instability and uprisings like Shays’ Rebellion.

What were the economic and political reasons for creating the Constitution? 

Economically, the U.S. needed power to tax, regulate commerce, and stabilize currency. Politically, leaders wanted stronger national unity, checks on state power, and a government that could maintain order.

Why was a new government structure created under the Constitution? 

The Articles were too weak to address national challenges. The Constitution created a stronger federal government with checks and balances, balancing state and federal authority.

Why was balance of powers important to the creators of the Constitution? 

They wanted to prevent tyranny by dividing authority between three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) and between state and federal governments.

What are the basic powers of the three branches of government? 

Legislative: makes laws, controls spending, declares war. Executive: enforces laws, conducts foreign policy, commands the military. Judicial: interprets laws, reviews constitutionality.

Why was the Bill of Rights important for American citizens? 

It protected individual liberties (speech, religion, press, trial rights) and limited federal power, addressing Anti-Federalist concerns.

What were the economic beliefs of the Federalists? 

They favored commerce, banking, manufacturing, and close ties with Britain.

What were the economic beliefs of the Anti-Federalists (later Democratic-Republicans)? 

They favored an agricultural economy, opposed a national bank, and supported stronger state economies.

What political precedents did Washington set during his presidency? .

Two-term limit tradition, neutrality in foreign affairs, cabinet system, and the idea of a strong but restrained executive

How did foreign wars affect the United States up until 1800? 

The French Revolution and European wars divided Americans politically, led to disputes over alliances, and influenced treaties like Jay’s Treaty and the Neutrality Proclamation.

Why did Washington and Adams promote a foreign policy of neutrality? 

They wanted to avoid costly wars, preserve trade, and protect the fragile young nation from being dragged into European conflicts.

Why did different political parties emerge during Washington and Adams’ presidencies? 

Disagreements over the Constitution’s interpretation, economic policies (Hamilton vs. Jefferson), foreign policy toward Britain or France, and the scope of federal power.

Who were the key leaders of the Federalists? 

Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and James Madison (early on).

Who were the key leaders of the Anti-Federalists? 

Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, George Mason, and later James Madison (who shifted toward Jefferson).

What kind of government did the Federalists support? 

A strong central government with the power to tax, regulate trade, and create a national bank.

What kind of government did the Anti-Federalists support? 

Stronger state governments with limited federal power to protect individual liberties.

Which groups supported the Federalists? 

Merchants, urban elites, creditors, and those in coastal areas.

Which groups supported the Anti-Federalists? 

Farmers, debtors, rural populations, and frontier settlers.

How did Federalists interpret the Constitution? 

They favored a loose interpretation, allowing implied powers for the federal government (ex. National Bank).

How did Anti-Federalists interpret the Constitution? 

They favored a strict interpretation, limiting the federal government to powers explicitly listed.