American Government Principles and State Constitutions

A form of government where power rests with the people, not a supreme authority. The ideal was small, independent landowners, emphasizing equality of opportunity.

After the revolution, states wrote new constitutions, emphasizing written rules to avoid the vagueness of British rule. This aimed to limit executive authority.

States initially limited popular rule in their constitutions, fearing potential divisions. Most states had a bicameral legislature with an upper chamber representing the 'high orders' and a lower chamber elected by voters with property requirements.

To ensure stability, states adopted constitutional conventions to write and revise constitutions, replacing the previous method of legislatures easily changing them.

States began strengthening their governors' power, granting them fixed salaries, appointment powers, and veto powers, marking a shift from the initial fear of strong executive authority.

While some believed religion should influence government, officials like Thomas Jefferson advocated for a complete separation between church and state, minimizing religious influence on government decisions.

Many Northern states, not reliant on slave labor, abolished slavery. However, slavery remained in Southern and border states.

To address the postwar depression and Congress's inability to tax, a duty on imported goods called the Continental Impost was created to generate revenue.

The first government of the United States, adopted in 1777. It gave Congress limited powers, like conducting wars and foreign relations, but lacked the ability to tax or regulate trade.

A rebellion of farmers led by Daniel Shays in 1786-1787, protesting against heavy taxes and debt. They demanded paper money, tax relief, and other reforms. It highlighted the weakness of the Articles of Confederation.

Established a system for governing the Northwest Territory, divided it into states, and banned slavery. Marked a significant step toward the expansion of the United States and its future westward growth.

Surveyed and sold the western territories, establishing the grid system for land division, still in use today.

Proposed by Thomas Jefferson, divided the Western territories into 10 self-governing districts, laying the groundwork for future states.

A compromise during the Constitutional Convention, resolving the debate over representation in Congress between large and small states. Larger states got population-based representation in the House of Representatives while smaller states got equal representation in the Senate.

Proposed a bicameral legislature, with representation based on population in both houses. Favored larger states and promoted a stronger national government.

Proposed a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state. Favored smaller states and kept the existing power structure.

A gathering of delegates from all states (except Rhode Island) in Philadelphia, convened to revise the Articles of Confederation. Ultimately, they drafted the United States Constitution, creating a new government with greater power.

The division of power between the national government and the states. It aims to balance the power and responsibilities of each level of government.

The principle of separating power between the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial), with each branch having the ability to limit the power of the others.

Government derives its power from the people. The people have ultimate authority.

Dividing the government into three branches: Executive, Legislative, and Judicial. Each branch has distinct responsibilities and functions.

The introductory statement of the Constitution, outlining the purpose and guiding principles of the new government.

The debate over sovereignty involved the tension between national and state legislatures. Madison resolved this by ensuring that power at all levels derived from the people, making no single body truly sovereign.

Anti-Federalists feared that the Constitution lacked a Bill of Rights, which would protect individual liberties from government overreach. They worried this absence would lead to tyranny.

The Constitution's ratification process required approval by nine out of thirteen states. State-specific conventions were called upon to debate and vote on whether to adopt the Constitution.

The Federalist Papers, a collection of essays written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, aimed to persuade the public and state leaders to support the ratification of the Constitution.

Hamilton believed a strong, centralized government led by an enlightened elite was crucial for stability and economic prosperity. He believed that the wealthy should be active participants in governance.

Hamilton advocated for taking on both public and state debt, paying back creditors to generate trust and create a national bond market. This would make the wealthy vested in the nation's success.

Hamilton proposed an excise tax on alcohol distillers, primarily affecting farmers, and a tariff on imported goods. This was designed to generate revenue for the government.

Madison argued that a large republic, with many diverse factions, would be less likely to develop tyranny, as no single group could easily dominate the government.

Federalists aimed for stability and economic growth, supporting a strong national government and the development of industry and trade.

Anti-Federalists feared tyranny, excessive taxation, the weakening of states, favoritism towards certain classes, and the erosion of individual liberty.

The Constitution established a system of checks and balances and separation of powers to limit the ability of any single branch of government from gaining too much power.

The first Congress prioritized creating a Bill of Rights, which would guarantee specific individual freedoms and rights, addressing concerns raised by the Anti-Federalists.

The Judiciary Act established the structure and function of the Supreme Court and the entire federal court system, defining the role of the judicial branch in the new government.

Existing laws and structures were geared towards the original colonies. Integrating new territories raised questions about governing unfamiliar lands and peoples, particularly Native Americans.

Washington's reputation as a revered leader gave legitimacy and stability to the new government, even though he preferred to stay above partisan politics.

A tax rebellion in 1794 by western Pennsylvania farmers protesting a federal tax on whiskey. It was a major challenge to the authority of the new federal government, but quickly collapsed due to military intervention under President Washington.

A series of economic proposals by Alexander Hamilton designed to strengthen the United States' financial position. Key components included assuming state debts, establishing a national bank, and promoting domestic industry.

Part of Hamilton's financial plan, this proposed the federal government assume the debts incurred by states during the Revolutionary War. This was controversial as it required states with lower debts to contribute to the repayment of those with higher debts.

A key element of Hamilton's financial plan, the proposal for a national bank sparked intense debate. Supporters argued it would provide loans, a safe place for federal money, and help collect taxes, while opponents viewed it as unconstitutional and favoring the wealthy.

The emergence of the Federalist and Republican parties in the 1790s. It marked the beginning of organized political factions in the United States, each promoting different visions for the nation's future.

A political party founded in the 1790s, advocating for a strong central government, economic development, and close ties with Great Britain. Key figures included Alexander Hamilton and John Adams.

A political party founded in the 1790s, advocating for states' rights, an agrarian society, and close ties with France. Key figures included Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

The French Revolution deeply divided American political opinion. Federalists were horrified by the violence and upheaval, while Republicans applauded the anti-aristocratic movement. This division helped solidify the political parties' stances and contributed to the First Party System.

After the French Revolution, the United States attempted to maintain neutrality in the ensuing war between France and Great Britain. This policy was challenged by both sides, particularly by French diplomat Edmond Genet, who sought to use American ports and resources to aid France.

A treaty negotiated by John Jay in 1794 to resolve disputes between the United States and Great Britain. It addressed issues like trade restrictions, the presence of British troops on American soil, and compensation for seized ships. While not fully satisfactory, it helped avert a potential war and established American control over the Northwest.

A treaty negotiated by Thomas Pinckney in 1795, resolving disputes between the United States and Spain. It established borders, allowed American navigation rights on the Mississippi River, and provided protections for American trade in the Gulf of Mexico.

A landmark address delivered by George Washington in 1796, warning against the dangers of political factions and foreign entanglements. It urged the nation to maintain unity and avoid becoming entangled in European conflicts.

An undeclared naval conflict between the United States and France from 1798 to 1800. It stemmed from French seizures of American ships and escalated tensions between the two nations. The conflict ultimately led to the Convention of 1800, which resolved the disputes and restored peace.

An incident in 1797 where French diplomats demanded a bribe from American envoys before negotiating a treaty to resolve disputes. This affair outraged American public opinion and fueled anti-French sentiment, contributing to the quasi-war.

A series of laws passed in 1798 by the Federalist-controlled Congress that made it harder for immigrants to become citizens and punished criticism of the government. These were seen as attempts to silence opposition.

Statements written by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in 1798 and 1799, respectively, arguing that states could nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional. This was a response to the Alien and Sedition Acts.

A presidential election where Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied. Jefferson eventually won after a lengthy process in the House of Representatives.

A powerful political organization based in New York City. Founded by Aaron Burr, it was influential in Republican politics and the Election of 1800.

The Election of 1800 resulted in a tie in the Electoral College, prompting the House of Representatives to decide the winner.