The Articles of Confederation & Constitution
What was the first constitution of the United States called?
The Articles of Confederation
What were Washington’s two main warnings in his Farewell Address?
Avoid political parties and foreign alliances
Who led the Federalist Party?
Alexander Hamilton
What was the Louisiana Purchase (1803)?
U.S. bought land from France, doubling its size
What is “Republican Motherhood”?
The idea that women should teach republican values to their children
Why was the national government weak under the Articles?
It couldn’t tax or enforce laws
What did Abigail Adams urge her husband to do when making the Constitution?
Think about expanding women's rights.
Who led the Democratic-Republicans?
Thomas Jefferson
What was the goal of the Embargo Act (1807)?
Stop trade to avoid war with Britain/France
What invention revolutionized cotton production in the South?
Cotton gin
What event showed the Articles were too weak?
Shay's Rebellion (1786 armed uprising by citizens in Mass)
What was the first major test of federal authority under Washington?
The Whiskey Rebellion
Which party favored a strong central government and industry?
Federalists
What was Lewis & Clark's mission?
Explore the Midwest
How did Native Americans respond to U.S. expansion after the Revolution?
Many resisted, forming confederations or alliances
What was the “Great Compromise”?
It created a two-house Congress: Senate (equal), House (population)
What did the Judiciary Act of 1789 establish?
The Federal court system
Which party supported states’ rights and farming?
Democratic-Republicans
What war began in 1812 between the U.S. and Britain?
The War of 1812
What law organized western lands and banned slavery north of the Ohio River?
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
What did the 3/5 Compromise decide?
Enslaved people counted as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxes
What compromise led to the creation of Washington, D.C.?
Hamilton’s plan: federal government assumed state debts; capital moved south
What event during Adams’s presidency increased tensions between parties?
The Alien and Sedition Acts
What was the outcome of the War of 1812 for the U.S.?
Boosted nationalism and manufacturing despite no clear winner
What was the main message of the Second Great Awakening?
Religious revival emphasizing individual salvation and reform