US History - Chapter 6 Vocabulary

Shays’ Rebellion

An uprising in Massachusetts (1786-1787) by farmers protesting debts and taxes, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Constitutional Convention

A meeting in Philadelphia (1787) with 55 delegates from 12 states to address the failures of the Articles of Confederation, resulting in the U.S. Constitution.

James Madison

A key figure in U.S. history known for his role in creating the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and for his contributions to federalism and individual liberties.

Virginia Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention (1787) drafted by James Madison for a strong national government with a bicameral legislature based on population.

Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention (1787) that resolved conflicts between large and small states over congressional representation.

Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays (1787-1788) by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay supporting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and explaining its principles.

Anti-Federalists

Politicians in the late 18th century who opposed the U.S. Constitution, fearing it concentrated too much power in the federal government.

George Washington

A pivotal figure in American history, known for his leadership in the Revolutionary War and as the first President, often called the "Father of the Nation."

Hamilton’s Financial System

An economic plan developed in the late 1780s and early 1790s aimed at establishing a stable economy and centralized federal power.

Bank of the United States

A central institution created by Hamilton to stabilize the economy, manage national debt, and serve as a focal point of political debate.

Whiskey Rebellion

A tax protest by whiskey farmers that tested the federal government's ability to enforce laws and heightened political tensions.

Jay’s Treaty

A 1794 treaty between Great Britain and the U.S. to resolve issues from the Treaty of Paris, stabilizing trade but increasing tensions with France.

French Quasi-War

An undeclared conflict (1798-1800) between the U.S. and France that influenced U.S. foreign and domestic policy.

Federalists v democratic republicans

The early political rivalry in the U.S. (1790s) that marked the emergence of the first two-party system.

Alien & Sedition Acts

Laws passed in 1798 by the Federalist-controlled Congress in response to fears of foreign influence, seen as violating civil liberties.

Kentucky & Virginia Resolutions

Political statements (1798) arguing that states could nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional, influencing future conflicts.

Election of 1800

A significant presidential election between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams that marked a fundamental shift in the direction of the country.

Marbury v Madison

A landmark case establishing the power of judicial review, shaping American law and protecting constitutional rights.

John Marshall

An influential figure in American legal history, known for establishing the judiciary as a co-equal branch of government.