The Constitution and Early US Presidents

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Questions and Answers

What was the main reason for the Louisiana Purchase?

  • Jefferson wanted to expand the U.S. borders.
  • Napoleon needed money to fund his wars. (correct)
  • The U.S. needed more land for farming.
  • France was willing to sell it for a low price.

What was the primary reason for the Embargo Act of 1807?

  • To support American businesses.
  • To create a favorable trade balance.
  • To limit trade with Great Britain. (correct)
  • To prevent the spread of disease.

What was the main outcome of the War of 1812?

  • The United States demonstrated its ability to defend itself. (correct)
  • The United States established itself as a global superpower.
  • The United States gained independence from Great Britain.
  • The United States gained control of Canada.

What was the main principle of the Monroe Doctrine?

<p>European powers could not colonize new territories in the Americas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Missouri Compromise?

<p>To maintain balance between free and slave states. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the key effect of the Alien and Sedition Acts?

<p>They suppressed political dissent. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Era of Good Feelings occur after the War of 1812?

<p>The US had defeated a major world power and was confident in its strength. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the Louisiana Purchase impact the United States?

<p>It doubled the size of the country and fueled westward expansion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the replacement of the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution?

<p>The lack of a strong central government and leadership. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant precedent did George Washington establish during his presidency regarding the advisor structure of the government?

<p>He created a cabinet of trusted advisors to assist in decision-making. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following issues did George Washington face as the first president of the United States?

<p>The establishment of a national bank and a stable currency. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Whiskey Rebellion was a result of:

<p>Farmers' anger over taxes imposed on whiskey production. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant decision made by George Washington that had a lasting impact on the American presidency?

<p>His decision to step down from the presidency after two terms. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the XYZ Affair, which John Adams faced during his presidency?

<p>A series of diplomatic scandals involving French agents demanding bribes and loans for France. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were the Alien and Sedition Acts passed by John Adams intended to do?

<p>Restrict immigration and silence political opposition to the government. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary consequence of the XYZ Affair for the United States?

<p>The United States experienced a shift in political alliances and public opinion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

United States Constitution

The supreme law of the United States, ratified in 1787, replacing the Articles of Confederation.

George Washington

The first President of the United States, leader of the Continental Army, and a key figure in the founding of the nation.

Precedent

An established tradition or guideline set by Washington during his presidency.

Cabinet

A group of trusted advisors appointed by the President to help govern.

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Domestic Issue

A problem that occurs within a country, addressed during Washington's presidency.

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Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising by farmers against excise taxes on whiskey, suppressed by Washington.

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XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident between the U.S. and France involving demands for bribes.

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Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws allowing the deportation of dangerous persons and restricting speech against the government.

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Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Documents seeking to nullify the Alien and Sedition Acts.

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Thomas Jefferson

3rd president of the US, key author of Declaration of Independence.

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Louisiana Purchase

Acquisition of territory from France for $15 million, doubling US size.

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Embargo

Economic policy prohibiting trade with another country, specifically England in Jefferson's time.

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War of 1812

Conflict between the US and England over impressment of American sailors, known as the 2nd War for Independence.

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Era of Good Feelings

Period during Monroe's presidency marked by national pride and confidence.

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Monroe Doctrine

A principle stating European powers should not interfere in the Americas.

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Study Notes

The Constitution and Early US Presidents

  • In 1787, the Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation
  • George Washington was the first president, chosen unanimously
  • Washington led the Continental Army during the American Revolution
  • He served as president over the Constitutional Convention committee
  • Washington set precedents, including a cabinet of advisors, and the title "Mr. President"
  • Domestic issues Washington faced included the economy and taxation
  • The Whiskey Rebellion was a farmer's protest against whiskey taxes
  • Washington successfully quelled the rebellion and created a national bank (with Hamilton's help)
  • He established a court system under the Judiciary Act of 1789
  • Washington stepped down after two terms, setting a precedent

John Adams' Presidency

  • John Adams (2nd President) faced political divides in the form of Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans.
  • Key issues included the XYZ affair where France demanded bribes.
  • Adams responded with the Alien and Sedition Acts. These were controversial for potentially targeting political opponents and being perceived as unconstitutional and violating personal freedoms and rights.
  • Adams did not win re-election

Thomas Jefferson's Presidency

  • The Louisiana Purchase (1803) significantly expanded US territory
  • Jefferson oversaw the Louisiana Purchase from France, doubling the size of the country for $15 million.
  • He faced challenges in relation to English trade.
  • His presidency was marked by an Embargo against England, which was unsuccessful

James Madison's Presidency

  • James Madison (4th President) faced issues with the English in relation to impressment and trade.
  • This resulted in the War of 1812, in which the US fought against England.
  • The war ended with the US as the victor.

James Monroe's Presidency

  • The Era of Good Feelings was a period of national unity after the War of 1812
  • The Monroe Doctrine warned European powers not to interfere in the Americas.
  • The Missouri Compromise attempted to balance the issue of slavery with Missouri admitted as a slave state and Maine as a free state, balancing power in the Senate.

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