DC HIS EXAM 2

  • Articles of Confederation: The first governing document of the U.S. that created a weak federal government, leading to economic instability.

  • Shay's Rebellion: A 1786-1787 uprising by Massachusetts farmers protesting economic injustices and government actions, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles.

  • U.S. Constitution: The foundational document establishing the framework of the U.S. government, created in 1787 to replace the Articles of Confederation.

  • The Virginia Plan: Proposed a strong central government with representation based on state population, favoring larger states.

  • The New Jersey Plan: Suggested equal representation for all states in Congress, maintaining the structure of the Articles.

  • Great Compromise: Combined the Virginia and New Jersey Plans, creating a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

  • Judiciary Act of 1789: Established the federal judiciary system, including the Supreme Court and lower courts.

  • Alexander Hamilton as Treasury Secretary (Plans for debts): Proposed financial plans to stabilize the economy, including federal assumption of state debts and the creation of a national bank.

  • Whiskey Rebellion: A 1794 protest against an excise tax on whiskey, showcasing the federal government’s ability to suppress dissent.

  • Jay's Treaty 1794: An agreement with Britain that aimed to settle unresolved issues from the Revolutionary War, maintaining peace.

  • XYZ Affair: A diplomatic incident in 1797 where French agents demanded bribes from American diplomats, leading to a quasi-war.

  • Alien and Sedition Acts (1798): Laws that restricted immigration and limited free speech against the government, seen as a violation of civil liberties.

  • Second Great Awakening: A religious revival in the early 19th century emphasizing individual piety and social reform.

  • Eli Whitney: Inventor of the cotton gin, which revolutionized cotton production and increased the demand for slave labor.

  • Robert Fulton and Robert Livingston and Steam Power: Pioneers of steamboat technology, significantly advancing transportation and commerce.

  • Marbury v. Madison: A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to invalidate unconstitutional laws.

  • John Marshall: Chief Justice whose decisions strengthened the federal government and the judiciary's role in American governance.

  • Louisiana Purchase: The 1803 acquisition of French territory that doubled the size of the U.S. and opened land for westward expansion.

  • Duel between Burr and Hamilton (why?): A confrontation stemming from political rivalry and personal animosity, ending in Hamilton's death in 1804.

  • Chesapeake-Leopard incident: A naval confrontation in 1807 that heightened tensions between the U.S. and Britain, leading to calls for war.

  • Embargo Act of 1807: A law prohibiting American ships from trading with foreign nations to avoid conflict, which hurt the U.S. economy.

  • Non-Intercourse Act: Replaced the Embargo Act, allowing trade with all nations except Britain and France.

  • War of 1812: A conflict between the U.S. and Britain driven by trade restrictions, impressment of sailors, and territorial expansion.

  • Causes: Included trade restrictions, impressment of sailors, and British support for Native American resistance.

  • Burning of the White House: A significant event during the War of 1812 when British forces captured and burned Washington, D.C.

  • Francis Scott Key: Wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the bombardment of Fort McHenry, which became the national anthem.

  • Lowell and Textile Mills: Factories in Lowell, Massachusetts, symbolizing the rise of industrialization and the role of women in the workforce.

  • Era of Good Feelings: A period of national unity and political harmony following the War of 1812, characterized by economic growth and territorial expansion.

  • Adams-Onis Treaty: A 1819 agreement between the U.S. and Spain that ceded Florida to the U.S. and defined the boundary between the two nations.

  • Panic of 1819: The first major economic crisis in the U.S., caused by over-speculation and leading to bank failures and widespread unemployment.

  • Missouri Compromise of 1819: Legislation that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining the balance in Congress.

  • Cohens v. Virginia: A Supreme Court case affirming the Court’s right to review state court decisions, enhancing federal authority.

  • John Marshall: His rulings, including those in Cohens v. Virginia, continued to strengthen the power of the federal government.

  • McCulloch v. Maryland: A Supreme Court decision affirming federal supremacy and the constitutionality of the Second Bank of the U.S.

  • Gibbons v. Ogden: A landmark case that reinforced federal authority over interstate commerce.

  • Worcester v. Georgia (1832): A Supreme Court decision recognizing the rights of Native American nations, but often ignored by the government.

  • Monroe Doctrine: A 1823 policy warning European nations against further colonization in the Americas, asserting U.S. influence in the region.

  • Presidential Election of 1824: A contested election where John Quincy Adams won despite losing the popular vote, leading to accusations of a "corrupt bargain."

  • Corrupt Bargain: Allegations that Henry Clay’s support for Adams in the House of Representatives was in exchange for the position of Secretary of State.

  • Spoils System: A practice where political leaders give government jobs to supporters, established by Andrew Jackson to reward loyalty.

  • Daniel Webster–Robert Hayne debate of 1830: A significant debate over states' rights versus national power, highlighting sectional tensions.

  • Nullification Crisis: A confrontation between South Carolina and the federal government over tariff laws, where South Carolina attempted to nullify federal tariffs.

  • Cherokee Nation v. Georgia: A Supreme Court case where the Court ruled that Native American nations were not sovereign states under U.S. law.

  • Worcester v. Georgia: A ruling that recognized the sovereignty of Native American nations but was largely ignored by President Jackson.

  • Bank of the United States-effect of Jackson abolishing the Bank: Jackson’s dismantling of the Bank led to economic instability and contributed to the Panic of 1837.

  • Specie Circular: A directive that required payment for government land to be in gold or silver, leading to a contraction of credit.

  • Jacksonian Democrats: Political group that promoted democracy and the rights of the "common man," opposing elitism.

  • Whigs: A political party formed in opposition to Jackson, advocating for a strong legislative branch and modernization.

  • 1842 Webster-Ashburton Treaty: An agreement resolving border disputes between the U.S. and Britain, improving relations.

  • Penny Press and their effect on the election: Affordable newspapers that democratized information and influenced public opinion and elections.