Chapter 6: Jeffersonian Democracy Flashcards

Election of 1800

• First peaceful transfer of power between political parties in the U.S.
• Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr received equal electoral votes, leading to a tie resolved by the House of Representatives after 36 ballots.
• Hamilton's support was pivotal in electing Jefferson, highlighting political alliances.
• Resulted in the adoption of the Twelfth Amendment in 1804.

Twelfth Amendment

• Ratified on December 2-3, 1803, to reform the electoral process.
• Addressed issues arising from the elections of 1796 and 1800, ensuring separate ballots for president and vice president.

"Revolution" of 1800

• Jefferson's victory signified a shift toward states' rights from a previously Federalist government.
• Jefferson rejected the Alien and Sedition Acts, aiming for a more accessible administration.

Pell-mell

• Jefferson's informal approach to state dinners, disregarding traditional protocol, encouraged a more relaxed atmosphere.

Judiciary Act of 1801

• Enacted by outgoing Federalists, created six new circuit courts and 16 judgeships.
• Known for "midnight appointments" made by John Adams on his last night in office, aiming to maintain Federalist influence in the judiciary.

Midnight Appointments

• Term used for the Federalist judges appointed shortly before Jefferson's inauguration.
• Intended to secure Federalist control over the judiciary.

Marbury v. Madison

• Landmark Supreme Court case establishing the principle of judicial review.
• Chief Justice John Marshall asserted the judiciary's equal status with the other branches of government.

John Marshall

• Served as Chief Justice from 1801 to 1835; known for enhancing judicial power and federal authority.
• His rulings consistently favored federal legislation and enforced the importance of contracts.

Samuel Chase

• Only Supreme Court justice impeached due to political conflicts in 1804.
• Acquitted by a narrow margin, his trial set a precedent against impeaching judges for political motives.

Barbary Pirates

• North African pirates seized American vessels and demanded ransoms.
• Jefferson attempted to engage the Navy against them, but his early efforts failed, leading to tributes until 1815.

Toussaint Louverture

• Led a successful slave revolt in Saint-Domingue, resulting in the abolition of slavery and establishment of Haitian independence.
• His victory influenced Napoleon's decision to sell the Louisiana Territory.

Louisiana Purchase

• Significant land acquisition stretching from British Columbia to New Orleans, considered a historic real estate deal.
• Jefferson, despite constitutional concerns, facilitated the purchase for economic opportunities.

Essex Junto

• A faction of Federalists in 1804 who planned to secede New England from the Union.
• Failed to gain support and lost a significant leader in Hamilton.

Lewis and Clark

• Commanders of the Corps of Discovery, exploring the Louisiana Territory beginning in May 1804.
• Conducted extensive scientific observations and mapped the journey to the Pacific Ocean.

Sacajawea

• Native American interpreter and guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
• Facilitated communication and navigation through unfamiliar territories.

Jeffersonian Democracy

• Advocated for a smaller national government and fiscal conservatism.
• Promoted an agrarian society based on self-sufficiency, emphasizing moral and responsible citizenship.

Aaron Burr

• Known for killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel; was a key figure in the Election of 1800.
• Engaged in an unsuccessful treasonous plan to establish an independent western territory.

Impressment

• The British practice of forcibly enlisting American sailors into the Royal Navy.
• Provoked significant outrage in the U.S. and contributed to tensions leading up to the War of 1812.

Chesapeake Incident

• Confrontation in 1807 where the British boarded an American ship, resulting in impressed sailors.
• Contributed to rising calls for war in America; Jefferson instead pursued an Embargo Act.

Embargo Act

• Implemented from 1807 to 1809, halting all international trade in a bid to maintain neutrality.
• Ultimately caused economic hardship for American merchants with little impact on foreign nations.

Non-Intercourse Act

• Replaced the Embargo Act in 1809, allowing trade with nations except Britain and France.
• Aimed to protect American interests during the ongoing Napoleonic Wars.