Presidential Leadership and Precedents
Why did George Washington establish a "cabinet of advisors" early in his presidency?
He knew he would need help with the "huge job" of the presidency and needed experts to lead special departments.
What were the four parts of Alexander Hamilton’s financial plan to stabilize the U.S. economy?
Consolidate debt, encourage industry through protective tariffs, create a national bank/currency, and raise revenue through taxes.
How did George Washington’s response to the Whiskey Rebellion differ from the earlier government response to Shays’ Rebellion?
Washington personally led the army to suppress the rebellion, showing the federal government's strength, whereas Shays' Rebellion had been characterized by chaos and a weak response.
What was the "XYZ Affair" during John Adams’ presidency, and how did he respond to it?
French representatives demanded a bribe and a $10 million loan from the U.S.; Adams refused and responded by building up the U.S. military and Navy.
From which country did the United States purchase the Louisiana Territory, and for how much?
France, for $15 million.
What are two specific warnings George Washington gave to the nation in his Farewell Address?
He warned against forming permanent foreign alliances and the dangers of political parties/divisions.
Why did many Southern states oppose Hamilton’s plan for the federal government to take over state war debts?
They had already repaid their own debts and did not want to be taxed to pay off the debts of other states.
Why were the Alien and Sedition Acts considered a violation of the Bill of Rights?
They violated the First Amendment freedoms of speech and the press by prohibiting criticism of the government.
What were the primary causes of the War of 1812?
British blockades, impressment of American sailors, British support for Native American attacks, and pressure from "War Hawks."
Who did Thomas Jefferson commission to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory?
Lewis and Clark.
What was the significance of the Marbury v. Madison (1803) Supreme Court ruling during Thomas Jefferson's presidency?
It established the precedent of Judicial Review, defining the Supreme Court's power to rule on the constitutionality of laws.
How did the Embargo Act of 1807 impact the American economy?
It prohibited all foreign trade, which "destroyed the U.S. economy."
What was the purpose of the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions?
They declared the Alien and Sedition Acts unconstitutional and argued that states did not have to obey them.
What was a significant effect of the War of 1812 regarding American industry?
U.S. industrialization greatly increased because the nation was forced to produce its own goods while trade with Britain was cut off.
What did the Indian Removal Act of 1830 allow the U.S. Congress to do?
It allowed the government to pressure Native American tribes off their land and sign treaties to guarantee their removal.
Describe the "Spoils System" introduced by Andrew Jackson.
It was the practice of firing existing White House officials and replacing them with political supporters.
Why did Andrew Jackson veto the renewal of the National Bank’s charter?
He believed the bank was unconstitutional and that it only benefited the wealthy.
During the Nullification Crisis, why did South Carolina threaten to secede from the Union?
They wanted to nullify (reject) the Tariff of Abominations and refused to be forced to follow federal law.
What did the Monroe Doctrine state regarding European colonization in the Western Hemisphere?
The U.S. would not allow European countries to establish new colonies or re-conquer independent nations in the Western Hemisphere.
How did the Supreme Court rule in the case of Worcester v. Georgia regarding Cherokee sovereignty?
The Court ruled that the Cherokee were a sovereign nation and that Georgia’s laws were unconstitutional.
Why was Andrew Jackson sometimes referred to by the nickname "King Andrew"?
He earned the nickname because of his habit of "doing things his own way" and ignoring official advisors or court rulings.
What major economic event was caused by Andrew Jackson’s efforts to weaken and kill the National Bank?
The Panic of 1837.
What was the purpose of the Missouri Compromise of 1820?
To preserve the balance of power in Congress by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state.
What was the primary purpose of the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819?
To negotiate the purchase of Florida from Spain.
What was the "Trail of Tears," and what was its human cost?
It was the forced relocation of 15,000 Cherokee to Oklahoma, during which approximately 4,000 people died.