Articles of Confederation
- Strengths and Weaknesses identified
Shay's Rebellion
- Significant uprising highlighting weaknesses in Articles
The Constitution
- Constitutional Convention held to address issues
- Great Compromise established bicameral legislature
- Three-Fifths Compromise for slave representation
- Federalism: distribution of power between national and state governments
- Checks and Balances: mechanism to prevent any branch from overreaching
- Ratification process of the Constitution debated
- Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists: differing views on government power
- Bill of Rights implemented to protect individual liberties
Washington's Presidency
- Established Cabinet to assist in governance
- Proclamation of Neutrality declared non-involvement in foreign wars
- Whiskey Rebellion tested federal authority
- Two-Term Precedent set for future presidents
- Farewell Address warned against political factions and foreign alliances
First 2 Party System
- Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans on economic policies
- National Bank controversy debated
- Impact of French Revolution on U.S. politics
John Adams
- Impact of French Revolution on U.S. relations
- Quasi War with France
- XYZ Affair increased tensions with France
- Alien & Sedition Acts enacted to control dissent