Unit 3 Quiz 5 Flashcards

Political Foundations of the United States

• Alexander Hamilton's national bank plan initiated intense political debate over constitutional interpretation, leading to a divide between strict and loose constructionists.
• Conflicts between Thomas Jefferson and Hamilton centered on constitutional interpretation, specifically over the powers of the federal government.
• The Democratic-Republican Party, formed by Jefferson and Madison, advocated for stronger state governments and represented the interests of farmers and craftsmen.

Early Political Parties

• The Federalist Party, led by Hamilton, supported a strong central government and garnered backing from businessmen and merchants.
• John Adams, a Federalist, enacted the controversial Alien & Sedition Acts, limiting free speech against the government and allowing the deportation of foreign nationals.
• Sectionalism arose as different regions developed distinct economies, focusing on local rather than national interests.

U.S. Foreign Policy and National Identity

• Washington's farewell address emphasized neutrality, advising against permanent alliances to safeguard American interests.
• The XYZ Affair heightened tensions with France and nearly led the U.S. to war, highlighting early foreign policy challenges.
• Washington recognized the importance of religion as a moral guide for maintaining political and social order in America.

Constitutional Debates and Rights

• Hamilton argued that the new Constitution inherently safeguarded citizens' rights, claiming a Bill of Rights was unnecessary.
• Economic disagreements post-Revolution led to partisan divisions, shaping the emergence of established political parties and ongoing conflicts over governance.

Significant Challenges and Precedents

• The establishment of a National Bank became a cornerstone of Hamilton's financial strategy, but spurred controversy regarding federal authority and states' rights.
• Washington set the precedent of a two-term limit for presidential service, influencing future presidents until the 22nd Amendment formalized it in 1951.
• The Alien and Sedition Acts reflected government efforts to maintain order during political unrest, particularly against critics of foreign policy.

Political Dynamics and Voter Sentiments

• The Democratic-Republicans emphasized states' rights and opposed Hamilton’s financial policies, positioning themselves against Federalist ideals.
• The concept of nullification emerged when states like Virginia and Kentucky challenged federal laws, foreshadowing later sectional conflicts.
• Madison's concerns over factions in Federalist No. 10 alluded to the growing political parties, underpinning the complexities of American democracy.

Washington's Leadership and Legacy

• Washington cautioned against political parties and sectionalism, recognizing their potential to divide the nation.
• The Farewell Address served as a guiding document influencing future American political philosophy and foreign policy decisions.
• Hamilton’s financial acumen helped stabilize the early American economy but also deepened regional divides and set the stage for future political struggles.### Compromise and Conflict
• A compromise arose between the industrial North and agricultural South, reflecting tensions in early American politics.
• Hamilton and Jefferson aimed to protect citizens from the economic tyranny faced during colonial rule.

Early Government Crises

• The first major crisis under the Constitution was the Whiskey Rebellion, prompted by a tax on whiskey.
• Shays' Rebellion occurred from August 1786 to June 1787, leading to the ratification of the Constitution in June 1788 and culminating in the Whiskey Rebellion from 1791 to 1794.

Bill of Rights Debate

• Hamilton argued a Bill of Rights was unnecessary since national and state constitutions already guaranteed rights.
• He believed that an explicit Bill of Rights could restrict personal freedoms by setting limits on rights.

Washington's Farewell Address

• Washington emphasized the unity of the states as crucial for national sustainability, warning that it would be an area frequently attacked by enemies.

Significance of the Whiskey Rebellion

• The Whiskey Rebellion illustrated the federal government's commitment to enforcing laws through military force.
• It established the supremacy of the national government as outlined in Article VI of the Constitution.

Foreign Relations Stance

• Washington's diplomatic philosophy led the US to avoid involvement in the French Revolution, advocating for neutrality and restraint in foreign alliances.

Warning Against Political Parties

• Washington cautioned against political parties, fearing they could overshadow the collective will of the nation and lead to factionalism.

XYZ Affair

• The XYZ Affair involved American diplomats being demanded a bribe and a loan by French agents, leading to public outrage in the United States and perceived as a diplomatic insult.

Alien and Sedition Acts Controversy

• The Alien Act allowed deportation of aliens viewed as threats, while the Sedition Act criminalized criticism of the government.
• Both acts faced backlash for allegedly violating the Constitution, as they restricted civil liberties and free speech.