Module VII Elections and political parties

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual freedoms and limit government power.

How many amendments were originally proposed?

Twelve proposals; only ten were approved and became the Bill of Rights.

What happened to the first two proposed amendments?

They were not accepted; the amendment we now call the First was originally third on the list.

Why do some people say “the Constitution is basically the Bill of Rights”?

Because many Americans define their freedoms mainly through the rights listed in the first ten amendments.

What major rights does the First Amendment protect?

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

What does the Tenth Amendment say?

Any powers not given to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.

What important precedents did Washington set as president?

Creating a cabinet, proposing legislation, staying neutral in foreign affairs, serving only two terms, and being called “Mr. President.”

Who was in Washington’s first cabinet?

Hamilton (Treasury), Jefferson (State), Knox (War), Randolph (Attorney General).

Who was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?

John Jay.

What did the first U.S. census reveal about the population?

About 3.9 million people, including roughly 700,000 enslaved people and 60,000 free Black people.

What kind of government did Hamilton want?

A strong national government and a powerful economy built on manufacturing, commerce, and banking.

Which foreign nation did Hamilton lean toward?

Britain (for its commercial and industrial system).

What kind of future did Jefferson want for America?

A nation of small farmers with westward expansion and a weaker national government.

Which foreign nation did Jefferson sympathize with?

France.

What was Hamilton’s view of the military?

He wanted a conventional nation-state with a professional army and navy.

What was Jefferson’s view of the military?

He feared a large standing military would threaten liberty.

Why does your professor say “see the play Hamilton”?

Because the play dramatizes Hamilton’s conflict with Jefferson and the creation of early American financial and political systems.

Why did the French Revolution matter to the U.S.?

France was influenced by American ideas, and the revolution pulled the U.S. into conflicts about foreign alliances and neutrality.

What did the Declaration of the Rights of Man (France) emphasize?

Liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression—but not the right to life.

Who was Edmond-Charles Genét?

A French diplomat sent to the U.S. to get help for France during its war with Britain.

What was Edmond supposed to do in the U.S.?

Collect money France was owed, negotiate a trade treaty, and encourage American ships to attack British ships.

What did Genét actually do that caused trouble?

He secretly authorized American privateers in South Carolina to seize British ships, violating U.S. neutrality.

Why was this a big problem?

It forced Washington to demand France recall him, and even Jefferson (pro-France) was angry.

Why did the U.S. let Genét stay instead of sending him home?

Returning to France during the Reign of Terror would likely have resulted in his execution.

Who was Eli Whitney?

An American inventor who created the cotton gin and later developed interchangeable parts.

What did the cotton gin do?

Quickly removed seeds from cotton, making cotton far more profitable.

What was the major impact of the cotton gin?

Explosive growth in cotton production and a major increase in slavery in the South.

What is yellow fever?

A deadly viral disease spread by mosquitoes.

How did yellow fever affect the U.S. government?

It caused mass deaths and forced the government to evacuate Philadelphia, the capital.

What was the goal of Jay’s Treaty?

To resolve remaining issues with Britain after the Revolution.

Why was Jay’s Treaty unpopular?

Americans thought it favored Britain and didn’t protect American sailors from being seized.

What did Britain agree to do in Jay’s treaty?

Withdraw from forts in the Northwest Territory and grant small trade concessions.

Why was Pinckney’s Treaty important?

Spain gave the U.S. access to the Mississippi River and the right to trade at New Orleans.

Why did the U.S. get such good terms from Spain?

Spain was weaker and couldn’t defend its American territories well.

What did Washington warn against in his Farewell Address?

The baneful effects of the spirit of party (political parties causing division) and permanent alliances with foreign nations.

What foreign policy guidance did he give?

Stay neutral and avoid becoming entangled in European conflicts.

What does “the baneful effects of the spirit of party” mean?

Washington believed political parties would create division, weaken the nation, and make people loyal to party over country.

What caused the Whiskey Rebellion?

Anger over the whiskey tax, which hurt small western farmers.

How did Washington respond to the whiskey revolution?

He personally led a large militia force to show federal authority.

What was the outcome of the whiskey revolution?

The rebellion collapsed without major fighting, showing the national government could enforce its laws.

Who supported the whiskey tax vs. who opposed it?

Hamilton supported it; Jefferson opposed it.

What does “neutrality” mean in early U.S. history?

The U.S. avoided taking sides in European wars, especially between Britain and France.

Why was American neutrality hard to maintain?

Britain seized American ships; France pressured the U.S. to join its war.

Why did Hamilton dislike westward expansion?

Federalists feared expansion would weaken central government pow

Why did Jefferson support westward expansion?

He believed America’s future relied on farming and land ownership.

What rights does the First Amendment protect?

Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

What does the Second Amendment protect?

The right to keep and bear arms.

What does the Third Amendment prevent?

Forbids the government from quartering soldiers in private homes without consent.

What does the Fourth Amendment protect?

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures; requires warrants with probable cause.

What protections are included in the Fifth Amendment?

Due process, protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and government seizure of property without compensation.

What rights are guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment?

Right to a speedy and public trial, impartial jury, to know the charges, confront witnesses, and have a lawyer.

What does the Seventh Amendment guarantee?

Right to trial by jury in civil cases over a certain value.

What protections does the Eighth Amendment provide?

Against excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel or unusual punishment.

What does the Ninth Amendment state?

Listing some rights in the Constitution does not deny other rights retained by the people.

What is the purpose of the Tenth Amendment?

Powers not given to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people.

Why was the Election of 1800 significant?

Tie between Jefferson and Burr; House chose Jefferson as President; led to the 12th Amendment to prevent future electoral ties.

What was the XYZ Affair?

French officials demanded bribes from U.S. diplomats; led to naval clashes called the Quasi-War with France.

What were the Alien and Sedition Acts?

Laws allowing deportation of foreigners and punishing criticism of the government; opposed by Jefferson and Madison.

What was the idea behind the Virginia and Kentucky resolutions?

States could nullify federal laws they believed were unconstitutional.

Why was the 12th Amendment passed?

Required electors to cast separate votes for President and Vice President to prevent ties like in 1800.

Who was the Secretary of the Treasury under Washington?

Alexander Hamilton

What were Alexander Hamilton’s main policies?

Strong national government, national bank, support for commerce and manufacturing.

Who was the Secretary of State under Washington?

Thomas Jefferson

What were Thomas Jefferson’s main policies?

Weak national government, economy based on small farmers, favored France.

Who was the Secretary of War under Washington?

Henry Knox

What was Henry Knox’s role?

Oversaw the military, advised on defense and Native American conflicts.

Who was the Attorney General under Washington?

Edmund Randolph

Who was the Attorney General under Washington?

Edmund Randolph

What was Edmund Randolph’s role?

Main legal advisor to the President; helped enforce laws and interpret the Constitution.