Key Terms
What is the purpose of a "cabinet" in the U.S. government?
The cabinet is a group of presidential advisors who head various executive departments, such as the Department of State or the Department of Treasury.
In what year did George Washington take office as the first President of the United States?
1789
Who was the first Secretary of the Treasury and played a key role in shaping the nation's financial system?
Alexander Hamilton
Which river did George Washington famously cross during the Revolutionary War?
The Delaware River
What was the effect of Alexander Hamilton's financial plan on the U.S. economy?
Hamilton's plan helped establish financial stability, including creating a national bank, paying off war debts, and encouraging economic growth through tariffs.
Define "protective tariff" and explain its role in the economy.
A protective tariff is a tax on imported goods designed to encourage domestic production by making foreign products more expensive.
What year did the Louisiana Purchase take place?
1803
Who was the leader of the Federalist Party, known for his financial plan and support of a strong central government?
Alexander Hamilton
The National Road was one of the first major infrastructure projects in the U.S. What direction did it primarily connect?
East to West, connecting Maryland to Illinois
How did the French Revolution influence the United States during George Washington’s presidency?
he French Revolution led to debates over U.S. involvement, dividing the nation into those who supported France (Democratic-Republicans) and those who supported Britain (Federalists).
What is the significance of the "Whiskey Rebellion" in early U.S. history?
The Whiskey Rebellion was a protest by farmers against a tax on whiskey. It demonstrated the strength of the new federal government under George Washington, as the rebellion was quickly put down by the military.
In what year was the War of 1812 declared?
1812
Who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third U.S. President?
Thomas Jefferson
What body of water did Robert Fulton’s steamboat, the Clermont, travel on during its historic voyage?
The Hudson River
What was the result of the Embargo Act of 1807 on American merchants and the economy?
The Embargo Act of 1807, which prohibited trade with foreign countries, hurt American merchants and caused economic hardship, leading to its eventual repeal.
What is "suffrage" and how did it relate to early American political changes?
Suffrage is the right to vote. Early political changes in the U.S. expanded suffrage, especially to white men without property, paving the way for greater political participation.
When was the Missouri Compromise passed, and what was its purpose?
1820; the Missouri Compromise was designed to maintain the balance between free and slave states by admitting Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, while banning slavery in territories north of the 36°30' line.
Who served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and established the principle of judicial review in the Marbury v. Madison case?
John Marshall
What canal, completed in 1825, connected the Atlantic Ocean to the Great Lakes and significantly aided trade?
The Erie Canal
How did the creation of political parties affect the U.S. political landscape during the 1790s?
Political parties divided the nation into opposing camps, with the Federalists supporting a strong central government and the Democratic-Republicans advocating for states' rights and a limited federal government.
Explain the term "Marbury v. Madison" and its importance to the judicial branch.
Marbury v. Madison (1803) was a landmark Supreme Court case in which the Court established the principle of judicial review, allowing the judiciary to declare laws unconstitutional.
What year was the Monroe Doctrine issued, and what was its key message?
1823; the Monroe Doctrine warned European nations against interfering in the affairs of the Americas, asserting that the Western Hemisphere was closed to new colonization.
Who was the U.S. President during the War of 1812 and the author of the Monroe Doctrine?
James Monroe
What territory was acquired by the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803?
The Louisiana Territory, which included land west of the Mississippi River, doubling the size of the United States.
What effect did the Missouri Compromise have on the expansion of slavery in the United States?
The Missouri Compromise allowed slavery in Missouri but prohibited it in new territories north of the 36°30' parallel, temporarily maintaining the balance between free and slave states.