Chapter 8-9 Social Studies

Who was the first president of the United States?

George Washington

How many terms did George Washington serve?

Two terms (8 years)

Who was George Washington’s vice president?

John Adams

What positions made up George Washington’s cabinet?

Secretary of State, Secretary of Treasury, Secretary of War (Defense), Attorney General

Who suggested a tax on whiskey and why?

Alexander Hamilton, to prevent further debt

Why did the Whiskey Tax anger farmers in Pennsylvania?

Whiskey was made from grain and farmers relied on barter instead of cash

How did farmers usually pay for goods before the Whiskey Tax?

By bartering and trading, not using cash

How did the federal government respond to the Whiskey Rebellion?

Washington sent 12,000 troops to Pennsylvania

Why was the Whiskey Rebellion important?

It showed the federal government could enforce its laws

What was George Washington’s Farewell Address?

Advice to the nation given when he left office

Why did Washington leave office?

Press attacks, illness, age, and belief presidents should not serve for life

What advice did Washington give about states?

Love the country more than individual states

What was Washington’s view on political parties?

He warned against them

What did Washington say about foreign alliances?

Avoid foreign alliances

Who were the Federalists?

Supporters of a strong central government

Which Federalist supported the national bank?

Alexander Hamilton

What was the Bank of the United States?

A national bank created to manage finances

Who were the Republicans (Democratic-Republicans)?

Supporters of states’ rights and limited government

What kind of nation did Jefferson envision?

A peaceful, farm-based nation

What happened during Washington’s last days?

He became ill after working in harsh weather and later died

What is the Electoral College?

A system where presidents are elected by electors, not directly by people

Why did the Founding Fathers create the Electoral College?

They feared average citizens and powerful states dominating elections

How many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency today?

270

Who decided the election of 1800?

The House of Representatives

Why was the election of 1800 important?

It showed a peaceful transfer of power

What was the Louisiana Purchase?

A land deal that doubled the size of the U.S. for $15 million

What taxes did Jefferson repeal?

The whiskey tax and other taxes on U.S. goods

What happened to the Alien and Sedition Acts under Jefferson?

They expired (lapsed)

What was the Naturalization Act?

A law that set rules for becoming a U.S. citizen

What was the Sedition Act?

A law that limited speech critical of the government

What minor changes did Jefferson make?

He removed formal ceremonies and celebrations

What was Jefferson’s belief about equality?

All people are created equal in society

What is judicial review?

The Supreme Court’s power to declare laws unconstitutional

What Supreme Court case established judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

What is the supreme law of the land?

The Constitution

What happens when a law conflicts with the Constitution?

Courts must uphold the Constitution and nullify the law

Who was Chief Justice during Marbury v. Madison?

John Marshall

What is the elastic clause?

It allows Congress to stretch the Constitution to meet needs

Why is the Constitution considered a living document?

It can adapt through interpretation

How does the elastic clause expand Congress’s powers?

It allows actions beyond those explicitly listed

What was the western boundary of the U.S. in 1803?

The Mississippi River

Where did most Americans live in 1803?

Within 50 miles of the Atlantic coast

Who purchased the Louisiana Territory?

Thomas Jefferson

From which country was the Louisiana Territory purchased?

France

How much did the Louisiana Purchase cost?

15 million dollars

Why was control of the Mississippi River important?

It protected trade and access to New Orleans

Why did Jefferson fear French expansion in North America?

It could block U.S. expansion

What was the Northwest Passage?

A hoped-for water route across the continent

Why was the Northwest Passage important?

It would connect the Atlantic and Pacific

Who led the Corps of Discovery?

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark

What was the main goal of the Corps of Discovery?

To find the Northwest Passage

What was another goal of the Corps of Discovery?

To make accurate maps

What did Lewis and Clark observe?

Geography, climate, plants, and animals

Who was Sacagawea?

A Shoshone woman who helped guide and translate

Why was Sacagawea important?

She helped with translation and diplomacy

How did Sacagawea help prevent conflict?

Her presence showed the group was peaceful

What role did Sacagawea play in camp morale?

She calmed and encouraged the group

What items did Sacagawea help save?

Maps, drawings, specimens, and journals

Who was Sacagawea’s brother?

The Shoshone Chief

Why was meeting Sacagawea’s brother important?

He provided horses and supplies

Did Lewis and Clark find the Northwest Passage?

No

What did the expedition prove about travel west?

There was no easy water route

How many new plant species were discovered?

122

How many new animal species were discovered?

78

Who were York and Sacagawea in society at the time?

They could not vote

How many Native American tribes were encountered?

12

How often were guns fired in anger?

Only once

What did Lewis and Clark produce?

Accurate maps

How did the expedition affect Americans?

It encouraged westward expansion

What was happening in Europe in the early 1800s that affected the United States?

Britain and France were at war

How did European wars threaten U.S. neutrality?

They pressured the U.S. to choose sides

What was impressment?

Britain forcing U.S. sailors into the Royal Navy

What was the Embargo Act?

A law that banned American trade with all other countries

How did the Non-Intercourse Act change trade?

It allowed trade with all nations except Britain and France

Who was elected president in 1808?

James Madison

Why did the U.S. declare war on Great Britain in 1812?

War hawks pushed for war and the U.S. wanted to defend its rights

Why was it important for the U.S. to win the War of 1812?

To show it could defend itself and gain respect

Who wrote the 'Star-Spangled Banner'?

Francis Scott Key

Who led the U.S. at the Battle of New Orleans?

Andrew Jackson

Why was the Battle of New Orleans fought after the war officially ended?

The soldiers had not yet received news of the treaty

Why was it important the U.S. won the Battle of New Orleans?

A British victory could have threatened U.S. trade and peace

What treaty ended the War of 1812?

The Treaty of Ghent

When was the Treaty of Ghent signed?

Christmas Eve, 1814

What caused frontier conflict in the early 1800s?

White settlers moved west onto Native American land

Who were Tecumseh and the Prophet?

Brothers and leaders who united Native American tribes

What strategy did white settlers use against Native Americans?

Divide and conquer

How did the U.S. government view Native American tribes?

As separate nations to negotiate treaties for land

What would they Americans do to try and get land?

negotiate treaties