Identify one precedent and why it matters
Washington set the precedent of having a cabinet, which matters because future presidents still use advisors to make decisions.
Identify his party and belief
Adams was a Federalist who believed in a strong national government and closer ties with Britain.
Identify party and beliefs
Jefferson was a Democratic-Republican who believed in a weak national government and strong states’ rights
Identify the war
The war was the War of 1812
One difference between Federalist and Democratic-Republicans
Federalists supported a strong national government, while Democratic-Republicans supported states’ rights.
Explain cause AND effect of Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion was caused by a tax on whiskey that angered farmers. The effect was that Washington used federal troops to stop it, showing the strength of the national government.
Why did the XYZ Affair anger Americans?
The XYZ Affair angered Americans because French officials demanded bribes before negotiations, which was seen as disrespectful and corrupt.
Why was the Louisiana Purchase controversial?
The Louisiana Purchase was controversial because it doubled the country’s size, but the Constitution did not clearly give the president power to buy land.
Explain one cause
One cause was impressment, where Britain forced American sailors into their navy.
Which supports strong government and why?
Federalists supported a strong government because they believed it would create stability and order.
Why did Washington fear political parties?
Washington feared political parties because he believed they would divide the country and put party interests over national unity.
Were Alien & Sedition Acts justified?
They were not justified because they violated freedom of speech and targeted political opponents.
Why did the Embargo Act fail?
The Embargo Act failed because it hurt American trade and economy more than Britain and France, causing anger among citizens.
Why was the war difficult?
The war was difficult because the U.S. had a weak military and was not fully prepared, and Britain was a stronger power.
Which opposes Alien & Sedition Acts and why?
Democratic-Republicans opposed the Alien & Sedition Acts because they believed they violated individual rights and free speech.
Was neutrality strong or weak? Defend
Neutrality was a strong decision because it kept the U.S. out of war while the country was still weak and developing
Compare Adams vs Washington foreign policy
Washington avoided conflict through neutrality, while Adams took a stronger stance by preparing for war with France.
Did Jefferson follow his ideals?
Jefferson did not fully follow his ideals because he believed in liberty but still owned slaves, showing a contradiction.
Was the war avoidable?
The war may have been avoidable through diplomacy, but tensions like impressment and trade issues made conflict likely.
How would each react to Embargo Act
Federalists would likely support the Embargo Act for control, while Democratic-Republicans might oppose it because it hurt farmers and trade.
Rank his decisions by importance with justifications
Answers will vary
Did Adams help or hurt the U.S.?
Adams both helped and hurt the U.S.—he avoided full war with France (positive), but the Alien & Sedition Acts angered citizens (negative).
Which mattered more: expansion or economy?
Expansion (Louisiana Purchase) mattered more because it created long-term growth, while the Embargo Act caused short-term harm.
Did Madison succeed?
Madison had mixed success—the war was challenging and included setbacks like the burning of Washington, but it ended with increased national pride.
Which party shaped America more
answer will vary