Articles of Confederation
Who had more power under the Articles of Confederation: the states or the federal government?
The States
What does ratification mean?
To approve
Define precedent. Name TWO precedents set by George Washington.
An act or decision that later serves as an example
Mr. President and nothing more
Two term limit
Presidential Cabinet
Appointing judges
Chief foreign diplomat
Commander in Chief
What was the significance of the Whiskey Rebellion?
The federal government now had the power to tax and enforce laws due to the Constitution
The Whiskey Rebellion demonstrated the new strength of the federal government under the Constitution
What is impressment and why did it anger Americans?
Impressment: the practice of forcing people to serve in the army or navy; led to increased tensions between Great Britain and the United States in the early 1800s
It angered Americans because it violated neutrality
Why did the Articles of Confederation purposely give more power to the states?
The founding fathers were afraid that the federal government would be too powerful/result in another monarchy
Name both parts of Congress.
(hint: bicameral legislature)
Senate and House of Representatives
What is the difference between loose construction and strict construction of the Constitution?
Loose Construction: a way of interpreting the Constitution that allows the government to take actions that the Constitution does not specifically forbid it from taking
Strict Construction: a way of interpreting the Constitution that allows the government to take only those actions the Constitution specifically says it can take
What were the Alien and Sedition Acts and who passed them?
John Adams
It forbade anyone from saying or writing anything negative about the Federal government. Anyone who broke this act was sent to jail
What were two main causes of the War of 1812?
Impressment
Trade laws by England and France
Native American conflict
Violation of U. S. neutrality
List two reasons why the Articles of Confederation failed.
It did not give the federal government enough power
It led to Shay's Rebellion
The federal government was unable to put down Shay's Rebellion because it did not have the authority or money
It did not give the government the power to tax
There was no executive branch
There was no Judicial branch
What was the 3/5ths Compromise and how did it affect representation in Congress?
States with higher slave populations got more representation in government than states with smaller slave populations
What does "separation of powers" mean in the Constitution?
the power of the central government divided among three branches, each having specific roles.
What was the significance of the Louisiana Purchase? Which president made it happen?
It was a deal made between France and the United States which doubled the size of the United States and the U. S. acquired the port of New Orleans
What was the main difference between the Embargo Act and the Non-Intercourse Act?
The Non-Intercourse Act banned trade only with Britain and France and their colonies while the Embargo Act banned trade with all foreign nations
What event convinced leaders that the Articles needed to be changed? (Hint: farmers)
Shay's Rebellion
Explain how the Great Compromise settled the dispute between large and small states.
Small states got one house in which all states had equal representation
Large states got one house based on the state's population
What are "checks and balances"? Give one example.
a system established by the Constitution that prevents any branch of government from becoming too powerful
Example: Judicial branch rules law unconstitutional passed by Congress
Which two laws tried to avoid war with Britain and France by cutting off trade? (Hint: E and NI Acts)
Embargo Act
Non-intercourse Act
Provide two examples of the differences that Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton disagreed on
Manufacturing and trade against farming/agriculture
Support for a national bank against no national bank in fear it would have too much power
Loose construction against strict construction
Strong central government against weak central government
Rich and educated people should run the government against common people have the ability to govern themselves
In George Washington's farewell address, what advice did he suggest the United States follow? Provide 2 pieces of advice
Remain neutral
Be cautious of alliances/political alliances
Avoid foreign entanglements
No political parties
What presidential power allowed Thomas Jefferson to purchase the Louisiana Territory?
Treaty making power