The Federalist Era: Politics and Challenges

Flashcards reviewing the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates, the emergence of political parties, and key events during George Washington and John Adams' presidencies.

Who was Alexander Hamilton?

Washington's Secretary of the Treasury who advocated for a strong national government and developed plans to stabilize the nation's finances.

What was the Report on the Public Credit?

A proposal by Alexander Hamilton where the federal government would assume state debts from the Revolution, aiming to stabilize national finances.

Who was Alexander Hamilton?

Washington's Secretary of the Treasury who advocated for a strong national government and developed plans to stabilize the nation's finances.

What was the Report on the Public Credit?

A proposal by Alexander Hamilton where the federal government would assume state debts from the Revolution, aiming to stabilize national finances.

Who was James Madison?

He opposed Hamilton's Report on the Public Credit due to concerns that states with little debt would be unfairly taxed to pay off the debts of states with high debt.

Who was Thomas Jefferson?

He hosted a dinner party to broker a compromise between Hamilton and Madison, resulting in the relocation of the nation's capital to the Virginia border (Washington D.C.).

What was the National Bank?

Hamilton's proposal to manage the nation's finances, leading to a debate over constitutional interpretation.

What was the Republican argument against the National Bank?

Jefferson and Madison believed that the Constitution did not explicitly grant the federal government the power to create a national bank.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)?

The clause used by Hamilton to justify the creation of the National Bank, arguing it was 'necessary and proper' for the nation's finances.

What did the Federalist Party believe in?

A belief in a stronger federal government, advocated by figures like Hamilton and Adams.

What did the differences between the Federalist and Republican parties center on?

Centered on the power of the national government versus the power of the state governments.

What was Jefferson's ideal republic?

Advocated for a decentralized, agrarian republic with more powerful state governments and a weaker federal government.

What is Jefferson's Agrarian Myth?

The belief that everyone should own a small plot of land and work the land, promoting independence and self-sufficiency.

What was the French Revolution?

Began in 1792 and led to a broader European conflict, testing America's neutrality.

What was American Neutrality?

The U.S. policy of not taking sides in the conflict between revolutionary France and the counter-revolutionary coalition led by Prussia and Great Britain.

What is Impressment?

The British practice of forcing American sailors into service in the British Navy.

What was Jay's Treaty?

Addressed the evacuation of western posts and compensation for seized ships, but failed to resolve issues like impressment and neutral shipping rights.

What was the Whiskey Rebellion?

An internal rebellion in response to a tax on whiskey, suppressed by federal forces to demonstrate the authority of the new government.

What was Pinckney's Treaty (Treaty of San Lorenzo)?

Established the southern boundary of America and granted America navigation rights on the Mississippi River.

Who won the election of 1796?

John Adams, with Thomas Jefferson as vice president.

What was the Quasi War?

An unofficial naval conflict between the United States and France from 1798 to 1800.

What was the XYZ Affair?

A diplomatic incident where French officials demanded bribes from American commissioners, leading to increased tensions between the U.S. and France.

What were the Alien and Sedition Acts?

A series of laws passed by the Federalist Congress that restricted immigration and curtailed freedom of speech and the press, sparking controversy and opposition.

What were the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions?

Proposed by Jefferson and Madison, these resolutions asserted the principle of state's rights and argued that states could nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional.

What is the state compact theory?

The idea that the Constitution is a compact between the states, giving them the right to judge when the federal government exceeds its powers.

What was the election of 1800?

The election of 1800, which resulted in a tie between Jefferson and Burr and ultimately led to Jefferson's victory after intervention from Hamilton.

What was the Judiciary Act of 1801?

The Judiciary Act of 1801, was a law passed by the Federalist Congress to maintain control over the judicial branch by creating new court positions and appointing Federalist judges.

What was Marbury v. Madison?

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review, giving the Court the power to declare laws unconstitutional.

What is Judicial Review?

The principle established in Marbury v. Madison, granting the Supreme Court the authority to determine the constitutionality of laws.