Precedents and Early US Government Quiz

Precedents and Early US Government

• Precedents: Actions or decisions that set examples for future behavior.
• Cabinet: A group of advisors to the President.
• George Washington's Precedents:
  • Served two terms as president.
  • Established a cabinet.
  • Was addressed as "Mr. President."
• Washington's Unsustainable Precedent:
  • Maintaining neutrality in foreign affairs (avoiding involvement in foreign issues).
• Washington's Positive Vision for the U.S.:
  • National unity.
  • International trade.
• Washington's Negative/Cautionary Views:
  • Avoiding political parties.
  • Avoiding foreign wars.

Whiskey Rebellion

• Whiskey Rebellion Details:
  • Western Pennsylvania farmers protested a tax on whiskey.
• Washington's Response:
  • Used military force to suppress the rebellion, asserting federal authority and upholding the law.

Hamilton's Economic Plan

• Hamilton's Plan Components:
  • Establish a national bank.
  • Implement taxes (e.g., whiskey tax).
  • Pay off national debt.

Federalist Party

• Federalist Leaders: Hamilton
• Federalist Supporters: Business owners, bankers, and those involved in trade.
• Federalist Economic Interests: Economy based on trade and manufacturing.
• Federalist International Affiliations: Supported Great Britain.

Democratic-Republican (Republican) Party

• Democratic-Republican Leaders: Jefferson
• Democratic-Republican Supporters: Farmers and artisans.
• Democratic-Republican Economic Interests: Economy based on farming.
• Democratic-Republican International Affiliations: Favored France.

XYZ Affair

• Country Involved: France.
• Result: The U.S. avoided war with France, and established a navy.

Alien and Sedition Acts

• Motivation for Alien Acts: Fear of immigrant threat (especially from France) to U.S. security.
• Sedition Act Details: Criticizing the government was illegal, violating freedom of speech.

States' Rights Theory

• States' Rights Theory Definition: The states created the Constitution and had the right to act when the federal government abused its power.

Nullification

• Nullification Definition: A state invalidates a federal law.

Loose Interpretation of the Constitution

• Loose Interpretation Definition: Federal government should have powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution.

Louisiana Purchase

• Details: Acquired from France, doubled the size of the U.S., granted control of the Mississippi River and New Orleans port.

U.S Supreme Court

• Details: Part of judicial branch, highest court, responsible for judicial review.

Judicial Review

• Judicial Review Definition: The Supreme Court's power to determine the constitutionality of laws or actions by other branches.

War of 1812 Causes

• War of 1812 Causes:
  • Impressment of American sailors.
  • British support of Native American attacks on American settlements.

War of 1812 Details (cont'd)

• Tecumseh's Alliance: Allied with Britain.
• Washington D.C. Invasions: British burned the Capitol and the White House.
• Outcome of the War: Neither side won; increased American national pride.

Era of Good Feelings

• Era of Good Feelings: Period during James Monroe's presidency.

Monroe Doctrine Outcomes

• Latin American Independence: Mexico, Argentina, and Venezuela gained independence from Spain.
• Conflict with Spain: U.S. conflict with Spain over runaway slaves and Seminole Indians.
• Adams-Onís Treaty: Result of dispute resolution (Spain cedes Florida to the U.S.).

Monroe Doctrine Details

• European Intrusion Concerns: Fear of European recolonization of Latin America.
• Monroe Doctrine Contents: Prevent European intervention in the Western Hemisphere.
• Great Britain's Role: Great Britain provided support for the Monroe Doctrine.

Test your knowledge on the precedents set by George Washington and the early government of the United States. This quiz covers key events like the Whiskey Rebellion and Hamilton's economic strategies. Dive into the foundations of American governance and understand the policies that shaped the nation.