Article of Confederation

Precedent

An example set for others to follow

Washington’s choices (cabinet, 2 terms, title) became models for later presidents

Cabinet

President’s top advisors heading departments

Institutionalized executive decision-making; continues today

“Mr. President”

Simple title for the executive

Reinforced republican values and rejection of monarchy

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

Violent protest against federal whiskey tax

Proved the new federal government could enforce its laws under the Constitution

Farewell Address (1796)

Washington’s parting message

Warned against factions and long-term alliances; shaped neutrality debates

Political Faction/Party

Organized group with shared political goals

Emergence of Federalists vs Democratic‑Republicans defined early politics

Federalists

Party favoring strong national gov’t, commerce

Drove early financial/foreign policies; declined after 1812

Democratic‑Republicans

Party favoring limited federal power, agrarianism

Dominated after 1800; emphasized states’ rights

Alien Act (1798)

Toughened rules on immigrants; allowed deportation

Aimed at opposition; raised civil liberties concerns

Sedition Act (1798)

Criminalized criticism of gov’t

Sparked First Amendment debate; targeted opposition press

Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions

State statements against Alien/Sedition Acts

Advanced states’ rights and nullification theory

Election of 1800

Jefferson–Burr tie resolved in House

First peaceful transfer of power between parties

12th Amendment

Separate ballots for President/VP

Reduced future electoral ties/confusion after 1800

Strict Construction

Read Constitution narrowly

Jefferson’s philosophy; limited implied powers

Loose Construction

Read Constitution flexibly (implied powers)

Enabled actions like the Louisiana Purchase

Implied Powers

Powers not stated but suggested

Basis for bank, purchase of territory, etc.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

U.S. buys vast territory from France

Doubled U.S. size; secured New Orleans/Mississippi trade; expanded presidential power

New Orleans/Mississippi River

Key port/river system for trade

Essential to western farmers and national commerce

Lewis & Clark Expedition

Government exploration of new lands

Mapped routes, documented resources; strengthened U.S. claims to the Pacific NW

Sacagawea

Shoshone guide/interpreter for Corps of Discovery

Facilitated expedition diplomacy and survival

Embargo Act (1807)

Stopped U.S. exports to pressure Britain/France

Hurt U.S. economy; highlighted limits of economic coercion

Non‑Intercourse Act (1809)

Reopened trade except with Britain/France

Partial reversal of embargo; limited success

Impressment

Forcing sailors into British navy

Major cause of War of 1812

War Hawks

Congressmen urging war (e.g., Clay, Calhoun)

Pushed Madison toward war with Britain

War of 1812

U.S. vs. Britain over trade/impressment/frontier

Fostered nationalism; ended Federalists’ credibility

Fort McHenry

Baltimore fort that withstood British attack

Inspired “The Star‑Spangled Banner”

Francis Scott Key

Wrote poem that became U.S. anthem

Symbol of resilience and patriotism

Treaty of Ghent (1814)

Ended War of 1812, status quo ante

No land changes; reset relations, allowed peace/trade

Battle of New Orleans (1815)

Jackson’s decisive victory after treaty

Boosted morale andJackson’s national fame

Economic Nationalism

Pride in domestic industry/market

War spurred U.S. manufacturing growth

Era of Good Feelings

Post‑war unity during Monroe’s early years

One‑party dominance; national pride

Monroe Doctrine (1823)

U.S. warns Europe: no new colonies in Americas

Cornerstone of Western Hemisphere policy; asserted U.S. leadership

Non‑Colonization Principle

Europe must not colonize newly independent states

Protected Latin American republics from Old World empires

Non‑Intervention Principle

U.S. stays out of European wars

Defined reciprocal neutrality while asserting a sphere of influence

What were Jefferson’s Concerns on National Bank

National Debt and Credit, Corruption, Government will get to much power, favoring the rich and northern states over farmers and the South

What does Washington Decide?

declares neutrality

What did Washington’s Farewell Address warn against-and why
(think back to the videos we watched)?

Warned against foreign alliances to remain key civic debates

How did Washington’s response to the Whiskey Rebellion
differ from the government’s response to Shays’ Rebellion under the Articles of Confederation?

Washington’s personal command proved the strength of the national government (said they can enforce laws on precedent)

Which of Washington’s precedents most shaped the presidency today in your opinion?

Step down after two terms shaped the presidency most. It showed that presidents shouldn’t stay in power too long and helped keep the government democratic.

What was the XYZ Affair?

French agents tried to bribe American diplomats before letting them talk to the French government. The U.S. refused to pay, and it led to anger against France and a short, undeclared naval war called the Quasi-War.

How does Adams justify the Alien/Sedition Acts?

Argued they would keep out foreign spies and enemies and stop people from spreading lies that could hurt the government.

How did the Sedition Act challenge American democracy?

It made it illegal to criticize the government, which went against the First Amendment and the idea that citizens should be able to speak out against their leaders

Did the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions strengthen or weaken the Union?

The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions weakened the Union.They said states could ignore federal laws they thought were unconstitutional, which challenged federal power.

How did the Louisiana Purchase conflict with Jefferson’s stated philosophy of strict interpretation?

The Louisiana Purchase conflicted with Jefferson’s strict interpretation of the Constitution because the Constitution didn’t say the president could buy land.

Was the Embargo Act a failure of leadership explain?

Yes, It hurt the U.S. economy, especially farmers and merchants, while Britain and France weren’t affected much. It showed poor planning and backfired on the American people.

What was the main cause of the War of 1812?

British interference with American shipping and trade, including impressment (forcing American sailors into the British Navy).

How did the British blockade affect the U.S. economy?

It stopped American ships from trading with Europe, which led to shortages, business losses, and unemployment, especially in northern port cities.

How did the war change U.S. attitudes toward independence and power?

Americans felt more independent and capable, realizing the country could stand up to a major power like Britain. It also strengthened the idea that the U.S. was a strong, united nation.

What do you think it is called Era of Good Feelings?

It’s called that. because after the War of 1812, the U.S. experienced national pride, political unity, and economic growth.

What did the Monroe Doctrine declare about European colonization?

Declared that Europeans should no longer colonize or interfere in the Americas.It warned that any attempt to do so would be seen as a threat to the U.S., asserting America’s role in protecting its hemisphere

Did the Monroe Doctrine promote peace or U.S. dominance?

It claimed the Americas were under U.S. protection and warned European nations to stay out, which asserted U.S. power in the Western Hemisphere, even though it avoided direct conflict.

How did each administration build on Washington’s precedents?

• Adams: Stayed neutral in foreign wars.

• Jefferson: Supported limited government, but bought Louisiana anyway.

• Madison: Tried to stay neutral, but fought the War of 1812 when needed.

• Monroe: Promoted unity and strong foreign policy without getting into European conflicts.