Key Concepts in Early American History

A series of flashcards covering key concepts in early American history, including important events, figures, and legal principles.

Precedent

An earlier event or action regarded as an example or guide for future similar circumstances.

Cabinet

A body of high-ranking state officials who advise the chief executive.

Protective Tariff

A tax on imported goods designed to raise their cost relative to domestic products.

First Bank of the United States

Chartered by Congress as part of Hamilton's financial plan to stabilize the nation's credit.

Whiskey Rebellion

A protest by farmers in West Pennsylvania against a federal excise tax on liquor.

Proclamation of Neutrality (1793)

Washington's declaration of the U.S. being neutral in the conflict between France and Great Britain.

Two-Party System

A political system characterized by the dominance of two major parties.

Federalists

A political party advocating for a strong central government, led by Alexander Hamilton.

Democratic-Republicans

A political party advocating for states' rights, led by Thomas Jefferson.

Two-term precedent

The informal tradition of a president voluntarily limiting their service to two four-year terms.

Washington's Farewell Address

A letter advising the nation to avoid permanent foreign alliances and excessive political rivalry.

Strict Construction

A legal philosophy interpreting the Constitution based on its literal wording.

Loose Construction

A legal philosophy asserting the government possesses implied powers not explicitly defined in the Constitution.

John Adams

The second President of the United States and leader of the Federalist Party.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident where American envoys were met by French agents demanding a bribe.

Quasi-War

An undeclared naval conflict between the U.S. and France from 1798 to 1800.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Controversial laws passed in 1798 that made it difficult for immigrants to become citizens.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Political statements arguing that the Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional.

Revolution of 1800

The peaceful transfer of power from the Federalists to the Democratic-Republicans.

Louisiana Purchase

The acquisition of territory from France in 1803, significantly expanding U.S. land.

Lewis & Clark Expedition

An exploratory mission to chart new territory and seek a water route to the Pacific.

War of 1812

A conflict fought between the U.S. and Great Britain over maritime policy and expansion.

War Hawks

A group of young Congressmen advocating for war against Great Britain.

Impressment

The British practice of forcing American sailors into the Royal Navy.

Treaty of Ghent

The peace treaty that concluded the War of 1812, restoring pre-war borders.

Nationalism

A strong sense of national unity and identity that emerged following the War of 1812.

Hartford Convention

A secret meeting of Federalists discussing grievances regarding the War of 1812.

Era of Good Feelings

A period characterized by reduced political strife under Monroe's presidency.

Monroe Doctrine

A declaration stating that European powers could not colonize the Americas.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

A landmark Supreme Court case establishing the principle of Judicial Review.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to invalidate legislative or executive actions violating the Constitution.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

A decision affirming federal supremacy and the constitutionality of the Second Bank.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

A case that reinforced federal authority to regulate interstate commerce.

Market Revolution

A shift from subsistence economy to a market-based economy driven by technology.

American System

An economic plan proposed by Henry Clay consisting of tariffs, a national bank, and infrastructure funding.

Second Bank of the U.S.

A national bank established in 1816 to control currency and stabilize the banking system.

Internal Improvements

Infrastructure projects funded to facilitate trade and connect the growing nation.

Erie Canal

A major public works project that lowered shipping costs and connected the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

Adams-Onís Treaty

Treaty where Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. and defined boundaries of the Louisiana Purchase.

Latin American Independence

A wave of revolutions leading to the establishment of independent nations in Latin America.

Missouri Compromise (1820)

Legislation admitting Missouri as a slave state while Maine was admitted as a free state.

Regional Specialization

Economic development where different regions focus on specific goods production.

Telegraph

A communication system that transmitted messages using electrical pulses.

Steamboat

A transport vessel that allowed for efficient travel and low freight cost on rivers.

Steel Plow

An agricultural tool made by John Deere that improved farming in the Midwest.

Cotton Gin

A machine that quickly separates cotton fibers from seeds and increased cotton production.

McCormick Reaper

A machine that greatly increased the efficiency of grain harvesting.

John Quincy Adams

The sixth President known for pushing national infrastructure and education.

Corrupt Bargain

The controversial resolution of the Election of 1824 leading to Adams' presidency.

Common Man

A political ideal emphasizing the average American's capacity for self-governance.

Jacksonian Democracy

A movement promoting democracy and the elimination of voting qualifications.

Spoils System

The practice of rewarding party supporters with government jobs.

Universal Male Suffrage (White)

Reform removing property qualifications for voting, enfranchising most white males.

Second Party System

Political rivalry between Democrats and Whigs from 1828 to 1854.

Democrats

Political party led by Jackson advocating for states' rights and agrarian interests.

Whigs

A political party formed in opposition to Jackson, advocating for a strong legislative branch.

Jackson and the Veto

Jackson's use of veto power expanded presidential influence over Congress.

Tariff of Abominations

Protective tariff of 1828 raising import duties that angered Southern states.

Nullification Crisis

A conflict in which South Carolina challenged federal tariff laws.

Force Bill

Legislation allowing the President to use military force during the Nullification Crisis.

Indian Removal Act

A law authorizing the relocation of Native American tribes west of the Mississippi.

Worcester v. Georgia (1832)

A ruling recognizing the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation.

Bank War

The struggle against the Second Bank by President Jackson, aiming to dismantle it.

Jackson's Veto of National Bank

A veto preventing the rechartering of the Second Bank, reinforcing Jackson's image.

Panic of 1837

A major economic crisis resulting from Jackson's banking policies.