Challenges for the New Government
What was one of the biggest problems that George Washington's administration faced?
A lack of funds; Americans lost respect for the government
What French ambassador caused international problems when he tested the Proclamation of Neutrality?
Edmond Charles Genet
True or False: Washington pushed for the two-term tradition.
True
What was France's reaction to America's Jay Treaty with Britain?
Angry and hostile; the French navy raided American shipping and seized over 300 sailors; did not receive the American minister, Charles Pickney
Who did John Adams appoint to be the new chief justice of the Supreme Court?
John Marshall
What brought the first political parties?
Disagreements over Hamilton's financial plans; groups formed around Hamilton vs. Jefferson
What treaty was in 1794 that Americans were extremely upset about and who was it between?
The Jay Treaty; it was meant to settle issues of Indian attacks and neutral rights at sea between the US and Britain.
True or False: The election of 1796 was not a peaceful transfer of power.
False; it was noted for being a peaceful transfer of power
What was the Convention of 1800 and what French leader was involved?
The agreement that stopped a war from breaking out between America and France; Napoleon Bonaparte
Name one far reaching effect that John Marshall had on the power of the Supreme Court.
-unified the Court by having the justices hold private conferences and issue one opinion to support each decision
-kept the justices out of political campaigns
-strengthened the Court by exercising restraint in his rulings
-set the precedent to wear plain black robes to seem more democratic and less aristocratic
What led to the Whiskey Rebellion?
The excise tax placed on whiskey; Whiskey distillers who didn't pay the tax were arrested and sent to court. People got angry and rebelled; Pennsylvania's governor didn't want to handle it so Washington had to. He ensured the country's new freedom didn't lead to lawlessness.
What was impressment?
The British seized American sailors and forced them to serve in their navy to replace their lost sailors.
Washington's warnings against disputes that would divide America into factions/political parties and any lasting ties with foreign countries led to what policy?
America's policy of isolation
What powers did the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions say that the states have?
They said the states have a right to come together and decide where a law is unconstitutional
Who were "midnight judges" and why might they have been a problem for Jefferson?
-new judges appointed by John Adams the night before he left office; these judges had views different about govt. than he did and might rule against his policies
Identify the first four cabinet departments of George Washington's cabinet.
1. State - Thomas Jefferson
2. Treasury - Alexander Hamilton
3. War - Henry Knox
4. Justice - Edmund Randolph
What treaty was issued in 1795 and who was it between? DOUBLE JEOPARDY
The Pickney Treaty; gave the U.S the right of deposit at New Orleans and made the thirty-first parallel of latitude the U.S's southern boundary
Who was known as being in George Washington's shadow?
John Adams
What was the XYZ affair? DOUBLE JEOPARDY
3 French agents implied that the Americans trying to meet with the French minister of foreign affairs could if they would give a $250,000 bribe and $10 million loan for France. Adams went to Congress to expose France's plan and Congress was so angry they almost went to war.
What did the Judiciary Act of 1801 do?
It created 16 new circuit judgeships to aid in the administration of the law, cut Supreme Court justices from 6 to 5 and allowed several justices of peace to be appointed.
Why did westward expansion turn violent?
1) Americans broke treaties with Indian tribes about the protection of their land so Indians fought back 2) the British urged the Indians to attack the Americans
What was the Proclamation of Neutrality and why was it issued?
A proclamation that urged Americans to remain neutral to foreign foes and cease actions that would involve America in foreign wars; the French Revolution led to the government being unstable and citizens lived in terror.
What was unusual about the election of 1796?
Thomas Jefferson, the opponent of John Adams, who won by electoral college, became the VP
What are the Alien and Sedition Acts? Name at least 2 and describe them.
1. Naturalization Act-extended the time that an immigrant had to live in America before he could gain American citizenship.
2. The Alien Enemies Act- gave the president power to imprison or expel any "dangerous" foreigners during times of war or invasion
3. The Alien Act- gave the president power to deport any aliens thought to be dangerous even if war had not been declared.
4. The Sedition Act- any person who said, wrote, or published anything false or malicious about the govt. or its officials would be fined $2,000 and imprisoned up to 2 years.
Why was Marbury v. Madison significant?
This case extended the Supreme Court's power, allowing the Court to declare federal laws unconstitutional