study guide
Page 1: Key Concepts and Events
Advice and Governance
A body of advisers not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution developed under George Washington:
This body is known as the Cabinet.
Key figures included Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State, and Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury.
War of 1812 and Foreign Policy
A crucial foreign policy goal for many "war hawks" involved:
Expanding U.S. territory, particularly aspirations towards Canada.
Influence of the Federalist Party
Despite the weakening of the Federalist Party post-Jefferson's election:
Federalist philosophy persisted largely through its judicial rulings, especially with John Marshall at the helm of the Supreme Court.
Bill of Rights
Rights not included in the Bill of Rights:
The option life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness reflects more of a philosophical ideal than a specific legal right.
Treaty of Ghent
Terms of the Treaty of Ghent (War of 1812) provided:
A cessation of hostilities and return to pre-war boundaries, with no territorial gains for either side.
Page 2: Political Ideologies and Agreements
Jefferson and Kentucky Resolutions
Jefferson's Kentucky resolutions argued that:
States could nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional, promoting the ideology of states' rights.
Missouri Compromise
Provided for:
Admittance of Maine as a free state and Missouri as a slave state, while prohibiting slavery in the Louisiana Purchase territory north of Missouri's southern boundary.
Washington’s Foreign Policy
Guided by:
The principle of neutrality in European conflicts to avoid entanglement.
Federalist Political Philosophy
Key beliefs included:
A strong central government controlled by the educated elite.
Monroe Doctrine
Asserted:
The U.S. would not tolerate further European colonization in the Americas, asserting a protective stance over the Western Hemisphere.
Page 3: Impacts of Policies
Monroe Doctrine Immediate Effects
Immediate effects included:
The establishment of the U.S. as a dominant power in the Americas, deterring European intervention.
Alien and Sedition Acts Targets
Primary targets:
Opponents of the Federalist government, particularly immigrants and political dissenters.
Jefferson vs. Hamilton on the Bank
Disagreement revolved around:
Whether the Constitution allowed for the creation of a national bank.
Era of Good Feelings Disruption
Disruptions stemmed from:
Economic issues post-War of 1812, including the Panic of 1819 and sectional disputes over slavery.
Embargo Act by Jefferson
Key provision:
Stopped all foreign trade to protect American interests and assert independence from Britain.
Louisiana Purchase Concerns
Jefferson's major concern:
Whether the purchase was constitutional and aligned with his small government philosophy.
Page 4: Judicial Review and Territory Acquisition
Marbury v. Madison
Established:
The principle of judicial review, affirming the Supreme Court's authority to invalidate laws contrary to the Constitution.
Andrew Jackson in Florida
Resulted in:
Permanent acquisition of Florida by the U.S., following military actions prompted by pressures from Spain.
Election of 1800
Noteworthy for:
The peaceful transfer of power between federalist and republican ideals.
Whiskey Rebellion Significance
Demonstrated:
The authority of the federal government over states in maintaining order and enforcing law.
Jeffersonian Beliefs
Democratic-Republicans championed:
A government influenced by the common people's voice, focusing on agrarian values.
Reversal of Federalist Policies by Jefferson
Quickly overturned policies that limited government and favored federal control, expanding state rights.
Hamilton's Financial Policies
Aimed to:
Stabilize the economy and establish a national credit system through various fiscal initiatives.
Page 5: Post-War Era Changes
Domestic Consequences of the War of 1812
One significant consequence:
A boost in American manufacturing due to wartime blockades leading to reduced reliance on imports.
Jefferson and Military Forces
Reverse of opposition was due to:
The need to maintain a strong military presence amid external threats, especially from Europe.
Key Additions to Federal Government
Significant demands included:
Establishing a strong Cabinet and a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.
Undeclared Hostilities with France
Involvement stemmed from:
French aggression towards American shipping during a period of rising tensions with Europe.
McCulloch v. Maryland
Justice Marshall's ruling upheld:
The constitutionality of a national bank, asserting federal supremacy over states.
Page 6: Historical Assessments
Battle of New Orleans
Proved meaningless because:
The peace treaty had already been signed, rendering military victory irrelevant.
Precedents Set by Chase Impeachment Failure
Established:
Impeachment was not a tool for political opposition but reserved for serious offenses.
Page 7: Matching Events to Effects
Event to Effect Chart
Key historical events and their repercussions:
Louisiana Purchase: Major territorial expansion for the U.S.
Whiskey Rebellion: Strengthened federal authority.
Monroe's Inauguration: Signaled a new era of political optimism.
Jay's Treaty: Stabilized relations with Britain despite controversy.
Pinckney's Treaty: Opened Mississippi River to American trade.
Page 8: Political Organizations and Key Figures
Political Evolution
Political parties were not originally envisioned in the founding documents but emerged from ideological divides.
Key figures include:
Henry Knox: First Secretary of War.
James Madison: Important drafter of the Bill of Rights.
Page 9: Ideological Beliefs
Federalists vs Democratic-Republicans
Examining contrasting beliefs over governance and economic policy:
Federalists (A) favored a strong central government, while Democratic-Republicans (B) emphasized states' rights.
Page 10: True and False Statements
Analyzing Historical Statements
Many true/false assertions about the Era:
Acknowledging key events such as the Missouri Compromise and the implications of the War of 1812 helps in understanding political shifts.