Category 1: Washington & the Early Government
100: Why did Washington form a Cabinet?
Answer: Presidents can choose advisers.
Explanation: Washington created the Cabinet to help him run the government and make informed decisions.
100: What was the main goal of Hamilton’s financial plan?
Answer: Build national credit and pay off debt.
Explanation: Hamilton wanted to strengthen the economy and show that the U.S. could manage its finances.
100: What policy warned Europe not to interfere in the Americas?
Answer: The Monroe Doctrine.
Explanation: It declared that European powers must stay out of the Western Hemisphere.
100: What doubled the size of the United States during Jefferson’s presidency?
Answer: The Louisiana Purchase.
Explanation: The U.S. bought land from France, expanding territory westward.
100: What does civic virtue mean?
Answer: Acting for the common good with honesty and responsibility.
Explanation: It means citizens put the needs of their country before personal interests.
200: What advice did Washington give in his Farewell Address?
Answer: Avoid political parties and foreign alliances.
Explanation: He believed these could divide the nation and lead to unnecessary wars.
200: What did McCulloch v. Maryland decide about government power?
Answer: Federal power is supreme over state power.
Explanation: The ruling confirmed that states could not interfere with federal institutions.
200: What was the purpose of the Embargo Act of 1807?
Answer: To ban trade with foreign nations, though it hurt the U.S. economy.
Explanation: Jefferson hoped to avoid war, but the act ended up damaging U.S. trade.
200: What was the result of the War of 1812?
Answer: Rise of industry and nationalism.
Explanation: The war boosted pride and led to more manufacturing within the U.S.
200: Washington not accepting a third term is an example of what civic principle?
Answer: Civic virtue.
Explanation: He put the nation’s needs before his own ambitions, showing honesty and responsibility in leadership.
300: What event proved the new federal government could enforce its laws?
Answer: The Whiskey Rebellion.
Explanation: The government’s strong response showed it could maintain order under the Constitution.
300: What was Gibbons v. Ogden about?
Answer: Congress’s power to control interstate trade.
Explanation: The case strengthened the federal government’s authority over economic activity between states.
300: What was the main cause of the War of 1812?
Answer: Impressment of American sailors by Britain.
Explanation: The British navy captured U.S. sailors and forced them to work, angering Americans.
300: Which region became the most industrialized after 1812?
Answer: The Northeast.
Explanation: Rivers and ports made it perfect for factories and trade growth.
300: What does nationalism mean?
Answer: Pride and loyalty to one’s nation.
Explanation: Americans felt more united after defending their independence.
400: What precedent did Washington set for future presidents?
Answer: Serving only two terms.
Explanation: His decision to step down after two terms became a standard for future presidents.
400: What does the Free Enterprise System allow?
Answer: Private competition and profit motive.
Explanation: It allows individuals to own businesses and compete freely, driving innovation.
400: What did the Monroe Doctrine tell European nations?
Answer: To stay out of the Western Hemisphere.
Explanation: It was a warning against colonization or interference in the Americas.
400: Why did the Industrial Revolution begin in the U.S.?
Answer: Machines increased production and efficiency.
Explanation: New technology made goods cheaper and faster to produce.
400: What did “The Star-Spangled Banner” commemorate?
Answer: The defense of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.
Explanation: Francis Scott Key wrote it after witnessing the flag still flying after battle.
500: What did the conflict between Hamilton and Jefferson lead to?
Answer: The formation of political parties.
Explanation: Their disagreements over government power and the economy caused the first political split.
500: What did the Whiskey Rebellion demonstrate about federal authority?
Answer: The government could enforce its laws.
Explanation: It proved the national government was strong enough to respond to internal challenges.
500: What event showed tension with Britain before the War of 1812?
Answer: Impressment of U.S. sailors.
Explanation: Britain’s actions at sea threatened U.S. independence and trade.
500: What was the main effect of the Louisiana Purchase?
Answer: U.S. gained control of the Mississippi River.
Explanation: It gave Americans control over trade and transportation routes.
500: How did the War of 1812 impact American nationalism?
Answer: It increased pride and unity in the nation.
Explanation: The victory showed that the U.S. could stand strong against foreign powers.