(Ch5) Quiz Info: Chs 3-5 Washington's 2nd Term -- Triumph of the Republicans

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising by farmers in Pennsylvania protesting the federal excise tax on whiskey. The rebellion was suppressed by federal troops, demonstrating the power of the new government.

French Revolution

A period of radical social and political change in France from 1789 to 1799 that ultimately led to the rise of Napoleon.

Neutrality Proclamation

A statement issued by President George Washington in 1793 declaring that the United States would remain neutral in conflicts between foreign nations, particularly the war between Britain and France.

Jay Treaty

An agreement between the United States and Great Britain in 1794 that aimed to resolve issues remaining since the Treaty of Paris and to avoid war.

Federalists

A political party in the early United States that supported a strong central government, fiscal policies, and closer ties with Great Britain, led by figures such as Alexander Hamilton.

Republicans

A political party in the early United States that emerged in opposition to the Federalists, advocating for agrarian interests, states' rights, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution, led by figures like Thomas Jefferson.

Washington’s Farewell Address

A letter written by President George Washington in 1796 advising against political parties and foreign alliances, emphasizing national unity.

Partisanship

The division of political groups or parties.

Tribalism

A strong loyalty to one's own social group or party.

Sectionalism

The loyalty to the interests and culture of a specific region or section of a country.

Election of 1796

The first contested presidential election in the United States, resulting in John Adams becoming president and Thomas Jefferson as vice president, highlighting the growing partisan divide.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident in 1797-98 where French agents demanded bribes from American diplomats, leading to an undeclared naval conflict between the US and France.

Quasi-War

An undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France from 1798 to 1800, resulting from tensions after the XYZ Affair.

Sedition Act

A controversial law passed in 1798 that made it a crime to publish false, scandalous, or malicious writing against the government or its officials, leading to significant debates about free speech and political dissent.

Alien Act

A law passed in 1798 that allowed the government to deport non-citizens deemed dangerous and increased the residency requirement for citizenship, reflecting fears of foreign influence.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Political statements drafted in 1798 and 1799, asserting that states have the right to nullify federal laws they deem unconstitutional, a response to the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Nullification

The theory that states have the right to invalidate any federal law that they believe violates the Constitution, prominently associated with the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions.

Running Mate

A candidate for the office of vice president who runs alongside a presidential candidate during an election.

Mudslinging

The use of insults and accusations, often in political campaigns, to damage an opponent's reputation.

Election of 1800

A pivotal election in which Thomas Jefferson defeated John Adams, marking the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in the United States.

Aaron Burr

A politician and lawyer who served as the third Vice President of the United States under Thomas Jefferson, famously known for his duel with Alexander Hamilton.

12th Amendement

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that established the procedure for electing the President and Vice President, ensuring they are elected together on the same ballot.

Judiciary Act of 1801

A law that reorganized the federal judiciary, creating new circuit and district courts and allowing President John Adams to appoint additional judges, often referred to as "midnight judges."

Midnight Judges

Judges appointed by President John Adams in the last hours of his presidency, aimed at securing Federalist influence in the judiciary.

Marbury vs. Madison

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Court to invalidate laws that conflict with the Constitution.

Judicial Review

The power of the judiciary to review and invalidate legislative and executive actions that are deemed unconstitutional.

Lame Duck

A term used to describe an elected official or group of officials whose term is about to end, particularly when they are unable to influence decisions or legislation due to their imminent departure from office.

Jefferson’s Revolution

The political shift in the early 1800s when Thomas Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans gained power, marking a transition from Federalist policies.

Haitian Revolution

A successful anti-slavery and anti-colonial insurrection by self-liberated slaves against French colonial rule in Saint-Domingue from 1791 to 1804, leading to the establishment of Haiti as the first independent black-led nation.

Gabriels Rebellion

A planned slave uprising in Virginia in 1800 led by Gabriel Prosser, which aimed to gain freedom for enslaved people but ultimately failed, resulting in severe repercussions for the enslaved community.

Louisiana Purchase

A land acquisition in 1803 where the United States purchased approximately 828,000 square miles of territory from France for $15 million, effectively doubling the size of the nation. This deal was negotiated by President Thomas Jefferson and is considered one of the most significant land purchases in American history, facilitating westward expansion and exploration.

Chesapeake Incident

A conflict in 1807 between a British warship and the American frigate USS Chesapeake. British demands for the surrender of alleged British deserters sparked a naval confrontation that resulted in the Leopard firing on the Chesapeake, leading to significant loss of American lives and heightened tensions between the United States and Britain. This event underscored the issues of impressment and maritime rights, contributing to the growing discord that eventually led to the War of 1812.

Embargo Act

In 1807 a law passed by the United States Congress which prohibited American ships from trading with foreign nations. This act aimed to pressure Britain and France to respect U.S. neutrality during the Napoleonic Wars by imposing economic sanctions. It harmed the American economy and was repealed in 1809.

In what sense was the United States experiencing a “crisis of freedom” in the late 1790s

Alien and Sedition Acts

What was revolutionary about the "Revolution of 1800"?

This refers to the peaceful change in power from the Federalists to the Republicans and demonstrated that a peaceful transfer of power could happen.

What dilemma did John Marshall face in Marbury vs Madison?  Why was it problematic for him to rule in favor or either Marbury or Madison?

Ruling in favor of Marbury would conflict with Jefferson’s administration while ruling for Madison would undermine the supreme court because the executive branch wouldn’t carry it out.