Young America Foundations Vocab

Marbury v. Madison 

Landmark 1803 case that established judicial review while avoiding direct confrontation with President Jefferson. It demonstrated the Court’s ability to limit government power through constitutional interpretation.

Federalist Judiciary

John Marshall and other Federalist judges appointed by John Adams who used their lifetime tenure to promote strong federal government even after Federalists losts political control.

Louisiana Territory

Vast region stretching from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains, purchased from France in 1803 for $15 million. It doubled the size of the United States and provided access to New Orleans.

Constitutional Dilemma

Jefferson struggled with weather the constitution allowed the federal government to purchase territory. He ultimately used loose construction despite his strict constructionist beliefs, showing pragmatic leadership. 

Corps of Discovery

Military expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from 1804-1806 to explore the Louisiana Territory and find a water route to the Pacific Ocean. 

Sacagawea

Shoshone woman who served as interpreter and guide for the expedition. Her presence helped demonstrate peaceful intentions to Native American tribes and proved crucial for diplomatic relations. 

Scientific Exploration

The expedition collected specimens, mapped, territories, and documented Native American cultures. They established American claims to Oregon Territory and provided valuable geographic knowledge.

Westward Expansion 

The movement of American settlers beyond the original thirteen colonies into New Territories. This concept of having space to grow became central to American national identity.

Manifest Destiny

Through coined later, this belief that Americans were destined to expand across the continent had its roots in the early republics need for agricultural land and economic opportunity.

Federalists

Political party led by Alexander Hamilton that favored a strong Federal government national bank, and close ties with Britain. They believed in a loose interpretation of the Constitution and supported manufacturing and commerce. 

Democratic-Republicans

Political party funded by Thomas Jefferson that advocated for states’ rights strict interpretation of the constitution, and closer ties with France. They favored an agricultural economy and limited federal government power. 

National bank

Financial institution proposed by Hamilton to manage government finances, issue currency, and provide loans. Jefferson opposed it as, unconstitutional, leading to the first major debate over federal power. 

Strict vs. Loose Construction

Two opposing views of interpreting the Constitution. Strict construction (Jefferson) meant the government could only do what was explicitly written, while loose construction (Hamilton) allowed implied powers. 

Political Factions

Washington warned against the dangers of political parties, fearing they would divide the nation and put party loyalty above national interest. 

Precedent

An action or decision that serves as an example for future situations. Washington’s two-term presidency and peaceful transfer for power established important democratic traditions. 

Alien Acts

Laws passed in 1798 that increased residency requirements for citizenship from 5 to 14 years and allowed the president to deport dangerous foreigners during peacetime.

Sedition Act 

Law making it illegal to publish false or malicious criticism of the federal government. This violated the First Amendment and was used to silence Democratic-Republican newspapers.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

Documents written by Jefferson and Madison arguing that states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws. These established the principle of states rights as a check on federal power.

Judicial Review

The supreme Court’s power to declare laws unconstitutional, established in Marbury v. Madison (1803). Chief Justice John Marshall strengthened the judicial branch as a co-equal branch of government.