The Federalist Era (1789-1800)

These flashcards cover essential terms and definitions related to the Federalist Era (1789-1800), focusing on key political events, laws, and figures that shaped early American governance.

Federalist Era

The period in American history from 1789 to 1800 characterized by the establishment of a strong federal government and the rise of political parties.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual liberties and protect citizens from governmental abuse.

Tariff

A tax imposed on imported goods to raise revenue for the government.

Assumption

Hamilton's plan for the federal government to take on states' debts to unify the nation financially.

Funding at Par

Hamilton’s strategy to pay off debts at face value to gain respect for the government.

Elastic Clause

Also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause; allows Congress to pass laws necessary to carry out its duties.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 protest against the whiskey tax that tested the new federal government's ability to enforce laws.

Neutrality Proclamation

Washington's declaration in 1793 to remain neutral in conflicts between France and England.

Jay’s Treaty

A 1794 agreement between the U.S. and Britain aimed at resolving issues remaining since the American Revolution.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident in 1797 where French officials demanded bribes from U.S. diplomats, leading to public outrage.

Sedition Act

A 1798 law that made it illegal to criticize the government, limiting freedom of speech.

Alien Acts

Laws that made it more difficult for immigrants to gain U.S. citizenship and allowed for their deportation.

Compact Theory

The idea that the states created the federal government and can nullify federal laws.

Democratic-Republicans

A political party founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison that opposed Federalist policies.

Hamiltonians

Supporters of Alexander Hamilton's financial policies and a strong federal government.

Federalists

A political party that favored a strong national government and was generally supported by the wealthy class.

Loose Interpretation

The belief that the government can take actions that the Constitution does not explicitly forbid.

Strict Interpretation

The belief that the government should only do what the Constitution specifically allows.

Judiciary Act of 1789

The law that established the federal court system and the Supreme Court.

National Bank

A bank chartered by the federal government intended to stabilize the U.S. economy.

Reign of Terror

A period during the French Revolution characterized by mass executions of perceived enemies.

Political Parties

Organized groups that seek to achieve power by electing members to public office.

Social Mobility

The ability for individuals to move up or down the social and economic ladder.

Embargo

A government order that restricts commerce or trade with a specific country.

Impressment

The act of forcing American sailors into the British navy during the War of 1812.

Convention of 1800

An agreement made by Adams with France to end hostilities and dissolution of the Franco-American alliance.

Pinckney Treaty

A 1795 agreement that granted Americans the right to navigate the Mississippi River and store goods in New Orleans.

Foreign Policy

A government's strategy in dealing with other nations.

Domestic Issues

Problems or challenges that affect a nation internally as opposed to foreign affairs.

Populism

A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people.

Patriotism

Devotion to and vigorous support for one’s country.

Electoral College

A body of representatives that elects the President of the United States.

Presidency

The office of the President, the highest executive office in the U.S. government.

Thomas Jefferson

The third President of the United States and a founding father, leader of the Democratic-Republicans.

John Adams

The second President of the United States, known for his role in the American Revolution.

Alexander Hamilton

The first Secretary of the Treasury, creator of the financial system and a leading Federalist.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Political statements in which these states claimed the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional.

Federalist Witch Hunt

The use of anti-French sentiment by Federalists to justify repressive laws against immigrants and dissenters.

Civil War

A war between citizens of the same country, particularly referring to the U.S. Civil War over slavery.

Rural Population

The demographic living in the countryside as opposed to urban areas.

Urbanization

The process of more people living in urban areas compared to rural areas.

Democracy

A system of government where the citizens exercise power directly or elect representatives.

Merchant Class

A social class involved in trade and commerce.

Encroachment

Intrusion on a person's territory, rights, or privileges.

Presidential Succession

The order of officials to take over the office of the presidency in the event of vacancy.

Bipartisanship

The agreement or cooperation between two political parties that usually oppose each other's policies.

Isolationism

A policy of remaining apart from the affairs or interests of other groups, especially the political affairs of other countries.

Debt Assumption

A financial policy that transfers the debt obligations of one party to another.

Congressional Approval

The process by which legislation is passed in Congress.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the Constitution.

Constitution

The supreme law of the land, outlining the framework of government and rights of the citizens.

Statutory Law

Laws enacted by a legislative body.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the President of the United States to manage the operations of the federal government.

Political Dissent

The expression of opposition to the policies or authority of those in power.

Constitutional Convention

The gathering in 1787 where the U.S. Constitution was created.

Ratification

The formal approval process of the Constitution or an amendment to it.

Checks and Balances

The system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Great Compromise

The agreement to create a bicameral legislature during the Constitutional Convention.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws.

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice.

Power Sharing

The distribution of power among different entities in government.

Sovereign State

A political entity represented by one centralized government that has sovereignty over a geographic area.

Civic Duty

The responsibilities of a citizen, including voting and participating in the civic community.

Political Activism

The intentional act of using direct action to achieve political or social change.

Mass Media

Various means of communication that reach large audiences, including print, broadcast, and digital.

Public Opinion

The aggregate of individual attitudes or beliefs held by the adult population.

Political Advocacy

The act of arguing in favor of a particular issue, policy, or position.

Manifest Destiny

The 19th-century doctrine that the expansion of the US throughout the American continents was both justified and inevitable.

American Exceptionalism

The idea that America is inherently different from other nations, often associated with its ideals of democracy and freedom.

Colonial Legacy

The impact and implication of colonization on the culture, economy, and politics of a territory after independence.

Pioneer Spirit

The determination and pioneering attitude of early American settlers.

Constitutional Rights

The rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals by the Constitution.

Governance

The action or manner of governing a state, organization, or people.

Statehood

The status of being recognized as an independent state under international law.

Precedent

An earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.

Militia

A military force composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers.

Populism

A political approach that strives to represent the interests of ordinary people.

Sovereignty

The authority of a state to govern itself or another state.

Representation

The action of speaking or acting on behalf of someone or the state.

Civil Liberties

Individual rights protected by law from unjust governmental interference.

Compromise

An agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions.

Nativism

The policy of protecting the interests of native-born inhabitants against those of immigrants.

Federal Revenue

The income generated by the government through taxation and other means.