Precedent
What is a "precedent" in the context of government and law?
A previous action or decision that serves as a guide for future situations
A very influential person but not part of Washington's cabinet?
John Adams
What do Federalist believe in?
Federalists generally favored a strong central government, a strong executive branch, and a national bank. They also generally supported a more active role for the federal government in economic affairs
What does sedition refer to?
Actions or expressions that promote disaffection or incite rebellion against the government .
It encompasses a wide range of activities, including speech and written communication that can be deemed as advocating public disorder or contempt for government authority
What is judicial review?
The process by which a court can examine the constitutionality of laws or actions by the government. It is the core principal of our judicial system to ensure that laws and government actions comply with the Constitution .
The group of people who work for the president?
What is the cabinet?
A main reason to set up a cabinet?
Providing him with expert guidance on navigating the challenges of a new nation
How did they start to form?
formed based on support for or opposition to the administration's policies
Why was the Sedition Act controversial?
Sedition Acts passed in 1798, was highly controversial because it criminalized criticism of the government, specifically targeting political opponents.
Which Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison (1803). In this case, the Court declared an act of Congress unconstitutional for the first time, establishing the power of the judiciary to interpret the Constitution and strike down laws that conflict with it.
A speech given prior to leaving office?
What is a farewell address?
What did Washington's first cabinet do?
Provide the president with advice on laws, taxes, foreign affairs, defense, and other important issues on how to govern the United States
What did the Federalist use as a weapon to fight the policies?
What is newspapers
How did sedition laws impact freedom of speech?
It limited ones free speech
Why is judicial review important for the Constitution?
Upholding the Supremacy of the Constitution
Protecting Individual Rights and Liberties
Maintaining Checks and Balances
Promoting a Living Constitution
Ensuring Uniformity and Consistency
What precedent did George Washington set regarding presidential terms?
Serving only 2 terms (until 1940)
What caused Washington's cabinet to split apart during his second term?
For one, his own cabinet split apart as Thomas Jefferson increasingly dissented from the economic policies proposed by Alexander Hamilton, most of which Washington supported.
What Was the primary goal of Federalist?
To create a strong central government
What specific actions could lead to charges of sedition?
Actions or words that aim to incite rebellion or overthrow the government. Advocating violence inciting disloyalty,
How does judicial review impact the balance of power among branches of government?
Judicial review, the power of courts to declare laws or actions unconstitutional, is a key mechanism for maintaining the balance of power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It acts as a check on both Congress and the President. It is a strong form of checks and balances.
The creation of the Cabinet established what important precedent?
The President can select trusted advisors to head executive departments
How does the first cabinet test the new constitution?
a cabinet which was not specifically outlined in the Constitution
Who was the leading Federalist and first Secretary of the Treasury under Washington?
Alexander Hamilton
How did sedition laws reflect the political climate of the time?
A governments desire to suppress opposition and freedom of speech done during a time of high political tension
What role does judicial review play in protecting individual rights?
Declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional, is crucial for protecting individual rights by ensuring that the government's actions align with constitutional principles. This check on governmental power prevents the legislature and executive branches from infringing on individual liberties.