Founding Figures
Who did the electoral college unanimously select as the first president?
George Washington
Which precedent involving the federal court system did Washington and Congress establish when organizing the new government?
Creating three levels of federal courts and defining their powers (establishing the federal judiciary)
Which financial institution allowed the nation to issue its own currency after its creation?
The national bank (Bank of the United States)
Which treaty angered Southerners because it did not ask the British to repay owners for slaves freed during the Revolutionary War? (Name the treaty.)
Jay’s Treaty
Who became the first vice president under that unanimous choice?
John Adams
Which government action confirmed the Supreme Court’s power of judicial review and strengthened the judiciary?
he ruling in Marbury v. Madison (confirmed judicial review; strengthened the judiciary)
200: Why did some southern states disagree with Hamilton’s plan for paying state debts after the Revolutionary War?
It was unfair to states that did not have many debts (Southern states had paid less and feared unfairness), and resentment that assumption favored northern states — correct answer per text: It was unfair to states that did not have many debts.
What was the XYZ Affair and how did it create problems for President John Adams? (Briefly.)
The XYZ Affair involved French agents demanding bribes; it created domestic political conflict and damaged Adams politically because members of his party were upset with his handling (and it increased tensions with France)
Which leader favored a strong central government and promoted business and manufacturing?
Alexander Hamilton
Which important advice did Washington give in his Farewell Address that shaped U.S. foreign policy? (Name one of the three correct answers from the assessment text.)
To remain neutral; to limit public debt; to achieve political unity (any one is acceptable as an example)
What was the outcome of the Whiskey Rebellion when the federal government responded?
The rebellion ended without a battle when the rebels fled after federal troops marched (demonstrated federal authority)
What policy did the United States issue to avoid taking sides in the war between Britain and France during Washington’s presidency?
The Neutrality Proclamation (or Neutrality Proclamation) — advised the U.S. to remain neutral
Which leader believed the nation should remain mainly agricultural and wanted to protect states' powers?
Thomas Jefferson
Why did Democratic-Republican leaders pressure Congress to repeal the Alien and Sedition Acts?
Because they believed the acts were unconstitutional because they interfered with state governments (and violated free speech/press rights)
Which three policy changes did Thomas Jefferson enact as president? (Choose the three that match the assessment text.)
Cutting domestic taxes; lowering military spending; letting the Alien and Sedition Acts expire
Which treaty gave the United States navigation rights on the Mississippi and access to New Orleans (hint: related to western trade)?
Pinckney’s Treaty (Treaty of San Lorenzo) — gave navigation rights on the Mississippi and access to New Orleans (agreement with Spain)
Place in order: (a) the man who was Secretary of the Treasury and (b) the man who wrote much of the Declaration of Independence. Which is which?
Alexander Hamilton — Secretary of the Treasury; (b) Thomas Jefferson — primary author of the Declaration (order: a then b)
What made the election of 1800 significant in U.S. political history?
It was the first peaceful change of political power from one party to another
Explain one way the creation of a national bank affected the central government’s power or the economy.
It allowed the nation to issue its own currency and helped stabilize credit and federal finances (also strengthened central authority over money)
How did Jay’s Treaty and Pinckney’s Treaty differ in their primary foreign targets and outcomes? (Short comparison.)
Jay’s Treaty was negotiated with Great Britain to settle outstanding issues and avoid war (seen as pro-British and controversial at home); Pinckney’s Treaty was with Spain and focused on navigation and western trade rights — different target countries and goals