The Federalist Era: Washington and Adams Administrations

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the key people, policies, events, and party conflicts during the Washington and Adams administrations.

Electoral College Election of 1789

The election in which George Washington was unanimously elected as the first president of the United States and John Adams was elected as the first vice president.

The Cabinet

An advisory body to the president that runs the various executive branch departments.

Thomas Jefferson (Washington Administration)

The founding father who served as the first Secretary of State under President George Washington.

Alexander Hamilton (Washington Administration)

The official who served as the first Secretary of the Treasury under President George Washington.

Henry Knox

The military officer who served as Secretary of War in George Washington's cabinet.

Edmund Randolph

The legal advisor who served as the first Attorney General in George Washington's cabinet.

Hamilton's Financial Plan

A three-part economic plan to pay off debt and fund services by restoring American credit, raising revenue through excise taxes, and establishing a national bank.

National Bank (Hamilton's Plan)

The most controversial component of Hamilton's financial program, designed to provide credit, hold tax revenues, lend money to the government, and regulate currency.

Constitutional Criticism of the National Bank

The argument raised by Hamilton's critics that chartering a bank was a power reserved to the states and that a national bank was unconstitutional.

Compromise over State Debts and Capital Location

A political deal where Hamilton won Southern support for the federal assumption of state debts by agreeing to locate the new national capital along the Potomac River.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

An uprising of Western Pennsylvania farmers against federal excise tax collectors, which was suppressed after Washington mobilized 15,000 troops, demonstrating the federal government's authority under the Constitution.

Jay's Treaty (1796)

An agreement led by Chief Justice John Jay that temporarily established peaceful trade relations with Great Britain and secured a temporary halt to the impressment of American sailors.

Washington's Farewell Address

A valedictory statement issued by George Washington after two terms, advising the nation to preserve national unity, beware of political parties and factions, and avoid entangling alliances.

Federalist Party

A political faction led by Alexander Hamilton and John Adams that favored a strong central government, loose constitutional interpretation, commerce and manufacturing, and close ties with Great Britain.

Democratic-Republican Party

A political faction led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison that championed states' rights, strict constitutional interpretation, agriculture, and strong ties with France.

Election of 1796

The presidential contest in which Federalist John Adams narrowly defeated Thomas Jefferson, making Adams the second president and Jefferson the second vice president.

XYZ Affair

An international incident in which French agents demanded a large bribe before negotiating with American envoys, prompting the creation of the United States Navy.

Quasi War (1798–1800)

An undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France resulting directly from the XYZ Affair, which led to the termination of the Franco-American alliance.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

Federalist legislation that made it a federal crime to publish false information critical of the government.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions (1798–1799)

State declarations asserting that states held the power to nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional, representing an early expression of states' rights.