Confederation & Early Republic (4)

Northwest Ordinance (and Ordinance of 1785)

785: system for surveying western lands; 1787 Northwest Ordinance set government for territories and banned slavery in Northwest

Federalism

Division of power between national and state governments.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments (1791) protecting individual liberties.

Elastic Clause (Necessary & Proper Clause)

Constitutional clause allowing Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its powers.

Creation of Bank of the United States

Hamilton’s plan (1791) to stabilize economy, provide credit, and manage government funds

First direct challenge to federal authority (Whiskey Rebellion)

1794 excise tax protest tested federal enforcement under Washington.

George Washington Proclamation of Neutrality

1793 statement keeping U.S. neutral in European wars.

Citizen Genêt

French envoy whose actions (1793) threatened U.S. neutrality and stirred partisan conflict.

Treaty of Paris (1763)

Ended the French and Indian War; Britain gained most French land in North America.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

Ended the American Revolution; Britain recognized U.S. independence.

Treaty of Greenville (1795)

Native Americans ceded land in Ohio to the U.S. after defeat.

Pinckney’s Treaty (1795)

Gave the U.S. access to the Mississippi River and New Orleans.

Jay’s Treaty (1794)

Improved relations with Britain and avoided war, but was unpopular.

Treaty of Ghent (1814)

Ended the War of 1812 and restored prewar boundaries.

X.Y.Z. Affair

1797 diplomatic incident with France leading to anti-French sentiment and undeclared naval conflict.

Alien and Sedition Acts

1798 laws limiting immigration and restricting speech criticizing government; controversial for civil liberties.

Quasi-War

Undeclared naval war between U.S. and France (1798–1800).

How we elect our leaders (Electoral College, etc.)

Presidents are elected by the Electoral College, while members of Congress and most officials are chosen by voters either directly or indirectly, depending on the office.

Direct vs Indirect elections

Direct: voters choose officeholder; Indirect: voters choose representatives who select officeholder (e.g., original selection of senators).

Fugitive Slave Act

Federal law requiring return of escaped enslaved people; multiple versions increased tensions.

Midnight Appointments

Adams’s last-minute judicial appointments (1801) to preserve Federalist influence.

Impressment

British practice of seizing American sailors for service in the Royal Navy; major cause of War of 1812.

Jefferson’s “Peaceable Coercion” (Embargo)

efferson’s strategy using trade embargoes (Embargo Act of 1807) to avoid war and pressure Britain/France.

Non-Intercourse Act

1809 law replacing the embargo; banned trade only with Britain and France.