Early Approaches to Government
What were the Articles of Confederation?
America's first try at a government. Had many weaknesses and had to be abandoned.
What was the Great Compromise?
It was a joining of the New Jersey and Virginia Plan. It settled the issue of representation in government. Effectively, it created the Senate and the House of Representatives.
What was the importance of Washington's Farewell Address?
Washington warns the American people against forming political parties and alliances with foreign nations.
What were the differences in the reliance on slave labor regionally?
North - Didn't need it/use it nearly to the extent of the south.
South - Relied on it heavily.
What did the Democrat Republicans believe?
Liberalism, republicanism, individual liberty, equal rights, separation of church and state, freedom of religion, decentralization, free markets, free trade, and agrarianism.
What was Shays' Rebellion?
Daniel Shays, a Revolutionary War veteran and farmer, led a rebellion in response to a debt crisis and the state's increased efforts to collect taxes. The rebellion was suppressed by the state militia.
When was the US Constitution ratified by all 13 states?
1791
Who was Washington Irving?
One of the most famous American authors of the nineteenth century. Penned an extensive biography of George Washington.
What was the impact of the Cotton Gin on slavery?
Increased the demand for slaves when it was intended to do the opposite.
Why was the 1st Bank of the US chartered and who pushed for it?
To stabilize the US economy after the war (stable money supply, funding the gvnt, and developing the economy); Alexander Hamilton.
What did the Federalists argue for?
What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
To protect the rights of all Americans on a federal level.
What new forms of media were popular at this time?
Political pamphlets, newspapers - both more widely available due to improved technology.
What was the 3/5th compromise?
Defined slaves as 3/5ths of a person. Issued to answer an issue of representation in government.
How did the French Revolution influence American politics in the 1790s?
Deepened the divide between federalists and Democratic-Republicans. Feds (led by AH) saw it as dangerous, DR's (led by TJ) supported it as an extension of the ideals of liberty and democracy.
What were the Federalist Papers?
A series of essays written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay under the name "Publius". Written to convince the public to support the new Constitution.
What is the role of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches?
L - Makes the laws, E - enforces the laws, J - judges the laws and makes sure they are Constitutional.
What was Republican Motherhood?
This defined the role of women in the US, they were responsible to educating their children to upload republican values and civic virtue.
Who were early abolitionists?
Benjamin Franklin, Crispus Attucks, etc..
Who objected to Hamilton's financial plan/bank of the US and why?
Thomas Jefferson, the plan disagreed with his vision of an agrarian society and believed it would introduce corruption into the government.
What did the Federalists argue for? Name two famous federalists.
Main argument surrounded an addition of a Bill of Rights to the new Constitution. They wanted a weak central government and a strong balance of powers. Patrick Henry, George Mason, Samuel Adams, Mercy Otis Warren, etc..)
How does the Constitution guarantee the prevention of a tyrannical government?
The system of Checks and Balances/Separation of Powers.
What were the Alien and Sedition Acts?
A set of laws passed in 1798 by the Federalist-controlled Congress that restricted immigration and speech in the United States.
What was the idea of Federalist No. 51?
That the biggest issue in framing a new government is finding a balance between the government and the governed.
What was Hamilton's Financial Plan?
1. Fed assumption of state debts
2. Creation of a national bank
3. Use tariffs to support American industry