APUSH Chapter 6 Terms

Society of the Cincinnati

An exclusive hereditary organization founded in 1783 by Continental Army officers, named after the Roman general Cincinnatus. It raised concerns about creating an American aristocracy and was criticized by democratic republicans who feared it would undermine republican principles.

Newburgh Conspiracy

1783 plot by Continental Army officers at their winter quarters in Newburgh, New York, to pressure Congress for back pay and pensions. Some officers considered marching on Congress or establishing military rule. George Washington's intervention helped prevent this potential military coup.

Alexander Hamilton

First Secretary of the Treasury (1789-1795), key Federalist leader who designed America's financial system. He advocated for a strong federal government, national bank, assumption of state debts, and pro-British foreign policy. His economic vision emphasized manufacturing and commerce.

George Washington

First President of the United States (1789-1797), Revolutionary War commander-in-chief. He established crucial precedents for the presidency, maintained neutrality in foreign affairs, and warned against political parties in his Farewell Address.

James Madison

"Father of the Constitution," fourth President, and key architect of the Bill of Rights. Initially a Federalist who later became a Democratic-Republican leader. He played crucial roles in the Constitutional Convention and early political party formation.

Virginia Plan

Proposal at the 1787 Constitutional Convention calling for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population. Favored larger states and provided the foundation for the eventual structure of Congress.

New Jersey Plan

Counter-proposal at the Constitutional Convention advocating for equal state representation regardless of population size. This plan favored smaller states and influenced the eventual compromise creating the Senate.

Great Compromise

Also called the Connecticut Compromise, this 1787 agreement created a bicameral Congress with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate providing equal representation for all states, combining the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.

Federalists

Political faction supporting ratification of the Constitution and later a political party favoring strong federal government, loose constitutional interpretation, pro-business policies, and pro-British foreign relations. Key leaders included Hamilton and John Adams.

Antifederalists

Opponents of the Constitution's ratification who feared it gave too much power to the federal government and lacked protection for individual rights. They demanded a bill of rights and preferred stronger state governments.

Federalist Papers

Series of 85 essays written by Hamilton, Madison, and John Jay in 1787-1788 to promote ratification of the Constitution. These remain among the most important explanations of American constitutional theory.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791, guaranteeing individual liberties like freedom of speech, religion, and the press. These were demanded by Antifederalists as a condition for supporting the Constitution.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Federal law that established the structure of the federal court system, creating the Supreme Court with six justices and lower federal courts. It also created the position of Attorney General.

Ideals of Federalists and Republicans

Federalists favored strong federal government, urban commercial interests, loose constitutional interpretation, and pro-British policies. Democratic-Republicans (Jeffersonians) preferred states' rights, agricultural interests, strict constitutional interpretation, and pro-French sympathies.

First National Bank

Hamilton's creation (1791-1811) designed to stabilize American finances, provide credit, and establish sound currency. Democratic-Republicans opposed it as unconstitutional and favoring wealthy commercial interests over common farmers.

Whiskey Rebellion

1794 uprising by Pennsylvania farmers protesting Hamilton's excise tax on whiskey. Washington's use of federal troops to suppress it demonstrated the new government's authority and ability to enforce federal law.

Citizen Genêt

French diplomat Edmond-Charles Genêt who arrived in 1793 and attempted to involve America in France's war against Britain by recruiting privateers and stirring up popular support. His actions violated American neutrality and created a diplomatic crisis.

Jay’s Treaty

1794 agreement between the US and Britain that resolved some Revolutionary War issues and trade disputes but failed to address impressment of American sailors. It was unpopular with Democratic-Republicans who saw it as too favorable to Britain.

Pinckney's Treaty

1795 agreement with Spain that secured American navigation rights on the Mississippi River and established the 31st parallel as the northern boundary of Spanish Florida. This was a significant diplomatic victory for the young nation.

Election of 1796

First contested presidential election, won by Federalist John Adams over Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson. Due to the original electoral system, Jefferson became vice president despite being from the opposing party.

XYZ Affair

1797-1798 diplomatic incident where French agents (coded as X, Y, and Z) demanded bribes and loans before negotiating with American diplomats. This created anti-French sentiment and led to the Quasi-War with France.

Alien Act

1798 law that increased residency requirements for citizenship from 5 to 14 years and gave the president power to deport "dangerous" aliens during peacetime. Democratic-Republicans saw it as targeting their immigrant supporters.

Sedition Act

1798 law making it illegal to publish "false, scandalous, and malicious writing" against the government. It was used primarily against Democratic-Republican newspapers and violated First Amendment principles of free speech.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

 1798-1799 resolutions written by Madison and Jefferson arguing that states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws. These responded to the Alien and Sedition Acts and introduced the theory of state interposition.

Election of 1800

"Revolution of 1800" where Jefferson defeated Adams, marking the first peaceful transfer of power between opposing political parties in American history. The tied electoral vote between Jefferson and Burr was resolved by the House of Representatives.