US History 1
George Washington established a precedent at the end of his Presidency. What was it?
The two term presidency
Please explain the difference between a Loose versus Strict interpretation of the Constitution.
Loose meant that the Constitution was to be read at face value and between the lines. Much of the powers drawn from this are known as "implied powers" and draw much of their authority from the Elastic Clause/Necessary and Proper Clause.
Strict means that what the Constitution says is what it means and does not allow for much, if any. interpretation as to any implied meaning.
Please explain the platforms of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
Federalists: pro-constitution/against B.o.R., supported a stronger central government and weaker state governments, supported relations with Britain
Anti-Federalists: Pro B.o.R... deemed essential. Supported stronger state governments and a weaker central government. More sympathetic to the French
Please name the two explorers and their guide who trekked the length of the Louisiana Purchase and found a route to the pacific ocean.
Merriweather Lewis, William Clark, and Sacagawea.
Please list our first four Presidents in order from first to fourth.
George Washington
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
This President supported and signed into law the Embargo Act of 1807. Who was the President and what did the Embargo Act do?
Thomas Jefferson and banned all foreign trade
Please explain what "Checks and balances" mean as it relates to the US government.
In the U.S. government, checks and balances refers to the separation of power in the government, which is ensured through the establishment of three different branches: the executive branch, the judicial branch, and the legislative branch.
What was the results of the election of 1800?
A tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. Jefferson is chosen as president by Congress and Burr as VP.
Briefly describe Alexander Hamilton's financial plan enacted under the Washington Administrations was.
National Bank, Paying off debt at face value, tariffs, federal govt absorbing the state's individual debts, excise tax (tax on manufactured goods)
What were the first two political parties in US history? What were their platforms?
Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
Federalists: Strong central govt, loose interpretation, national bank, pro-Britain
Anti-Federalists: Strong state govts, strict interpretation, against national bank, pro-France
Known as the Father of the Constitution, this President called for the US to go to war with Britain in 1812.
Who is James Madison?
Please explain the facts of the case Marbury v. Madison, as well as the impact of that case.
Adams issues several commissions to newly appointed federal judges using the Judiciary Act of 1789. Commissions were issued up until last moment in office. Was dependent on Jefferson Admin delivering the commissions, but they refused and Marbury sued.
The case established the principle of judicial review, meaning that American courts have the power to strike down laws and statutes that they find to violate the Constitution of the United States
What was the XYZ affair and which president did it occur under?
John Adams and it was a diplomatic incident between French and United States diplomats that resulted in a limited, undeclared war known as the Quasi-War. U.S. and French negotiators restored peace with the Convention of 1800, also known as the Treaty of Mortefontaine.
What were the Alien and Sedition Acts?
Naturalization Act - extended time to become citizen to 14 years
Sedition Act - made it illegal to to publish false or malicious writing about the government
Alien Friends Act and Alien Enemies Act allowed for deportation of foreigners who loyalties were suspect.
Sec. of State - Thomas Jefferson
Sec. of Treasury - Alexander Hamilton
Sec. of War - Henry Knox
Attorney General - Edmund Randolph
Who were the only pairing of President and Vice President to be from opposing parties?
Who has the power to declare war? Who declared war with Britain during the War of 1812?
Congress and Congress- supported by President Madison.
This person wrote the Star Spangled Banner after seeing the American Flag still flying after the British had bombarded Fort McHenry from Chesapeake Bay.
Francis Scott Keyes.
Became National Anthem in 1931.
Why did the Battle of New Orleans happen after the Peace Treaty of Ghent ending the war?
The message about the wars end didn't reach New Orleans for months after it took place.
What reasons prompted America to enter war with Britain in the War of 1812?
Impressment of US ships and soldiers, trade tensions, and British supporting the Native Americans to push back against the US
Please explain the history of the Louisiana Purchase.
Purchased by the Jefferson Administration from the French in 1803.
Originally sought to purchase a small portion of the territory for $10 million, but Napoleon offered to sell the whole territory for $15 million.
President Jefferson employed a loose interpretation of the Constitution citing the presidents ability to make treatise with foreign governments as ground to make the purchase.
Sent the Lewis and Clark expedition to map the territory and find a path to the pacific ocean.
What was so important about the transition from the John Adams (Federalist Party) to the Jefferson (Democratic-Republican Party)?
It was the first peaceful transfer of power between opposing political parties/factions.
The Supreme Court Justice who was appointed by John Adams and issued the ruling on Marbury v. Madison. Largely considered one of the most impactful judges in Supreme Court history.
Chief Justice John Marshall.
What was the Quasi-War? What precedent did it give Congress?
An undeclared naval war between the United States and the French in the Caribbean and off the East Coast of the United States.
The ability of Congress to authorize military action without a formal declaration of war was later confirmed by the Supreme Court and formed the basis of many similar actions since, including American participation in the Vietnam War and the 1991 Gulf War.
Please describe the conflict between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton.
1804 the federalists gave Burr their support for New York governor.
Hamilton (fmr. Sec. of Treasury, Federalist), never trusted Burr, and accused him of treason.
When Burr lost the election he blamed Hamilton and challenged him to a duel.
Hamilton, opposed to duels pledged not to fire.
Burr shot Hamilton then fled.