Chapter 9 | The Federalist Era | U.S. History

McGraw Hill

Cabinet

Cabinet

group of advisors to a President

Judiciary act of 1789

This act established a federal court system. The states kept their own laws and courts, but the federal courts had the power to reverse state decisions. The act marked a first step in creating a strong and independent national judicial system.

Bonds

certificate that promises to repay borrowed money in the future—plus an additional amount of money, called interest.

Speculators

people who risk money in hopes of making a large profit in the future.

Tariffs

taxes on imports. These would raise money for the government and protect American industries from foreign competition.

Whiskey Rebellion

In 1791 Congress passed a tax on the manufacture and sale of whiskey, a type of alcohol made from grain. An armed mob attacked tax collectors and burned down buildings.

Proclamation of Neutrality

Wars broke out between Britain and France. Washington hoped to remain neutral. This prohibited Americans from fighting in the war. The proclamation also barred French and British warships from American ports.

Impressment

seizing people against their will and forcing them to serve in the military or other public service

Jay's Treaty

Washington sent John Jay, chief justice of the United States, to discuss a solution with the British. the British agreed to withdraw from American soil. There was no mention of impressment or British interference with American trade

Pinckney's Treaty

gave the Americans free navigation of the Mississippi River and the right to trade at New Orleans.

Partisan

clearly favoring one party or faction

Caucus

a meeting of members of a political party to choose candidates for upcoming elections

XYZ Affair

Bribery attempt by the French against American diplomats. President Adams discovered the plan and fought an undeclared war against the French.

Alien and Sedition Acts

allowed the president to imprison aliens. The president could also deport—send out of the country— those thought to be dangerous

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions of 1798 and 1799

states could legally overturn federal laws they thought were unconstitutional.

George Washington

Federalist war hero that became the first President. Washington set the standard for how long a president should serve and for how the nation should relate to other nations.

Thomas Jefferson

head of the State Department; Later ran for President. He was the leader of the Democratic- Republicans and believed in a strict interpretation of the constitution

James Madison

introduced a set of amendments during the first session of Congress. In December 1791, these 10 amendments, together called the Bill of Rights, became part of the Constitution

Alexander Hamilton

secretary of the treasury. Hamilton tried to improve the government's finances and strengthen the nation at the same time. Later ran for president; often agreed with Washington about the establishment of government.

Federalists

Led by Hamilton, this group favored a strong federal government. They believed the Constitution gave government "implied" powers. Federalists supported representative government, in which elected officials ruled in the people's name. They did not believe it was wise to let the public become too involved in politics.

Democratic-Republicans (Republicans)

Jefferson and Madison led this faction. They believed in a strict reading of the Constitution. They believed congressional powers were limited to what is absolutely necessary to carry out the enumerated powers. The Republicans feared a strong central government controlled by only a few people. They believed that democracy and liberty would be safe only if ordinary people took part fully in government.

John Adams

He was well-known as one of Massachusetts's most active Patriots in the period before and during the Revolutionary War. He served two terms as vice president under Washington before becoming president. His time in office, however, was troubled.