Presidencies of Washington and Adams Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing core terms, key figures, political parties, and historic events from the presidencies of George Washington and John Adams based on lecture notes.

Precedent

An action or decision made by a leader that sets an example or tradition for future officials holding the same office to follow.

Mr. President

The title chosen by George Washington to emphasize that the United States was a republic rather than a monarchy, rejecting royal titles like "Your Excellency" or "Your Highness."

President's Cabinet

A group of department heads created by George Washington to provide experienced advice and help manage different areas of executive government.

Federalists

A political party in the early United States that favored a stronger national government with sufficient federal power to solve national problems and pay war debts.

Democratic-Republicans

A political party, originally formed from Anti-Federalists and led by Thomas Jefferson, that favored limiting federal power and protecting state authority and individual liberties.

Alexander Hamilton

The first Secretary of the Treasury who advocated for strong federal authority, proposed a tax on distilled spirits to pay Revolutionary War debts, and endorsed Thomas Jefferson over Aaron Burr in 1800.

Thomas Jefferson

The first Secretary of State, leader of the Democratic-Republicans, Vice President under John Adams, and winner of the Election of 1800.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 violent protest by western Pennsylvania farmers against a federal tax on distilled spirits, suppressed when George Washington personally led state militia forces to enforce federal law.

John Adams

A Revolutionary Patriot, diplomatic representative, and member of the Committee of Five who served as the second President of the United States and signed the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Election of 1796

The first contested presidential election between political parties, resulting in a 71–68 Electoral College victory for Federalist John Adams, making Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson his Vice President.

Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798

Federalist laws passed during tensions with France that increased citizenship residency requirements from 5 to 14 years, expanded power over dangerous immigrants, and criminalized false or malicious speech against the government.

Election of 1800

A presidential election marked by a 73–73 electoral tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, resolved on the 36th ballot by the House of Representatives, resulting in the first peaceful transfer of power between opposing parties.

Aaron Burr

A Democratic-Republican presidential candidate in 1800 who tied Thomas Jefferson with 73 electoral votes, sending the final election decision to the Federalist-controlled House of Representatives.