Untitled Flashcards Set

George Washington

The first President of the United States, sworn in on April 30, 1789, who set important precedents for the executive branch and led the formation of the new government.

Judiciary Act of 1789

A landmark piece of legislation that established a structured three-tiered federal judicial system, including the Supreme Court at its highest level, along with lower federal courts to ensure justice across the nation.

Tariff Act of 1789

A significant piece of legislation designed to raise federal revenue through imposing import duties, leading to the establishment of the first schedule of duties on various imported goods.

Whiskey Rebellion

A violent uprising that took place in the 1790s by farmers protesting against the federal excise tax on whiskey, marking one of the first major tests of federal authority under the new Constitution.

Neutrality Proclamation

Issued by George Washington in 1793, this proclamation declared the U.S. intention to remain neutral in the conflict between France and Great Britain, helping to shape early American foreign policy.

Jay's Treaty

A treaty finalized in 1794 between the United States and Great Britain, aimed at resolving lingering issues from the American Revolutionary War, including trade disputes and the withdrawal of British troops from American territory.

Pinckney’s Treaty

A treaty signed in 1795 between the United States and Spain, granting the U.S. rights to navigate the Mississippi River freely and access the Port of New Orleans, which was crucial for trade.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident occurring in the late 1790s where U.S. diplomats were approached by French agents demanding bribes, which escalated tensions and led to an undeclared naval conflict between the two nations.

Alien and Sedition Acts

A series of four laws enacted in 1798 aimed at curbing opposition to the Federalist Party by targeting immigrants and making it illegal to criticize the government, viewed as an infringement on civil liberties.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

Political statements drafted by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in 1798 asserting that states had the right to nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional, in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Federalists

A political party that emerged in the early years of the Republic, advocating for a strong central government, a national bank, and fiscal policies aimed at stabilizing the economy.

Democratic-Republicans

A political party founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison opposing the Federalists, promoting states' rights, agrarian interests, and a limited federal government.

Two-term presidency

A precedent established by George Washington's decision to step down after his second term, which later became an informal norm in U.S. presidential politics that was eventually formalized in the 22nd Amendment.

The Tonnage Act of 1789

A law that imposed fees on ships based on their tonnage, aimed at generating revenue for the federal government through the regulation of maritime commerce.

First Bank of the United States

Established in 1791, this institution served as the nation's central bank, with the authority to issue currency, regulate credit, and manage federal government funds.

Elastic Clause

A provision in the U.S. Constitution (Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18) allowing Congress the flexibility to enact laws necessary for executing its enumerated powers, often cited to justify implied powers of the federal government.

Quasi-War

An undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France occurring from 1798 to 1800, primarily fought at sea, stemming from disputes over trade and American neutrality.

Whiskey Tax

The first tax imposed on a domestic product by the federal government, levied on the distillation of whiskey, aimed at raising revenue but leading to significant public discontent and rebellion.

Citizen Genêt Affair

A diplomatic crisis involving French minister Edmond Charles Genêt, who challenged U.S. neutrality by attempting to mobilize American support for France against Great Britain, straining U.S. foreign relations.

John Jay

The first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, who played a crucial role in negotiating Jay's Treaty to resolve conflicts with Great Britain and establish judicial authority.

Judicial Review

The power of the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, to review and invalidate legislative acts and executive actions deemed unconstitutional, establishing a vital check on government power.

Hamilton's Economic Plan

An ambitious series of proposals put forth by Alexander Hamilton aimed at stabilizing and improving the U.S. economy through the creation of a national bank, tariffs on imports, and the federal assumption of state debts.

Presidential Cabinet

An advisory group formed by the President, composed of the heads of executive departments, established to assist in decision-making and providing counsel, although not explicitly outlined in the Constitution.

Naturalization Act

Part of the Alien and Sedition Acts, this law increased the residency requirement for immigrants seeking U.S. citizenship from five years to fourteen years, reflecting fears of foreign influence.

Sedition Act

Legislation that made it a criminal offense to criticize government officials or policies, particularly targeting political dissenters and seen as a violation of First Amendment rights.

The Treaty of Mort Fontaine

A treaty signed in 1800 that effectively ended the Quasi-War between the United States and France, restoring peace and regulating maritime relations.

Federal Judiciary

The judicial branch of the U.S. government established by the Judiciary Act of 1789, structured to interpret laws and administer justice at federal levels.

Impressment

The practice of forcibly enlisting American sailors into the British Navy, which heightened tensions between the United States and Britain prior to the War of 1812.

Republicanism

A political ideology centered around representative democracy, advocating for a government where elected officials represent the interests of the citizens.

Foreign Relations

Policies and diplomatic interactions governing the United States' dealings with other nations, particularly significant in its early relationships with European powers such as Britain and France.

Census

An official count or survey of the population, conducted by the government to gather demographic data and allocate political representation based on population.

Rights of States

The principle emphasizing the autonomy, privileges, and powers retained by individual states within the federal system, particularly in opposition to perceived federal overreach.

Constitutional Compact

The notion that the Constitution is a compact or agreement among states that limits federal authority to specific enumerated powers, emphasizing state sovereignty.

Political Factions

Groups formed within the government or political landscape that align over shared ideals, which can lead to divisions and conflict among different political ideologies.

Partisan politics

Political behavior characterized by loyalty to a particular party, often leading to decisions and actions that favor one party while marginalizing the other, leading to increased polarization.

Supremacy Clause

A clause found in Article VI of the U.S. Constitution establishing that federal laws and treaties made under its authority take precedence over state laws, ensuring uniformity in the law.

Civil Liberties

Basic rights and freedoms guaranteed to