5 The Early Republic Free Online FlashCards

When did the Constitution take effect?

The Constitution took effect in 1789, establishing a stronger national government than the Articles of Confederation had.

What were key parts of Hamilton’s economic program?

Hamilton proposed funding federal debt, assuming state debts, raising revenue through tariffs and an excise tax, and creating a national bank.

How did Federalists and Democratic-Republicans generally differ?

Federalists generally supported a stronger national government and commercial development; Democratic-Republicans emphasized limited federal power and farmers’ interests.

What did the Whiskey Rebellion test?

Resistance to the federal whiskey excise tax sparked the rebellion. Washington called out militia forces, demonstrating that federal laws could be enforced.

What position did Washington’s administration take in the Britain–France conflict?

Washington’s administration declared neutrality in the conflict between Britain and revolutionary France to avoid entanglement in European wars.

Why was the election of 1800 an important precedent?

Jefferson defeated Adams, and power passed from one political party to another without violence, establishing an important precedent.

What did the Louisiana Purchase accomplish?

In 1803, the United States bought Louisiana from France for $15 million. The purchase roughly doubled U.S. territory and secured access to the Mississippi River and New Orleans.

What was the purpose of the Lewis and Clark expedition?

Jefferson sent Lewis and Clark west to explore and map parts of the newly acquired territory, which was already home to Indigenous nations.

What were the effects of the Embargo Act of 1807?

The Embargo Act of 1807 barred U.S. ships from trading with foreign nations. It harmed American commerce but failed to end violations of neutral rights.

What did the Treaty of Ghent do?

The Treaty of Ghent, signed in 1814, ended the War of 1812 with Britain and restored prewar boundaries.

How did westward expansion intensify political conflict over slavery?

As settlement spread west, cotton cultivation and forced labor on plantations expanded, while new territories intensified disputes over slavery and the balance of free and slave states.

Name two actions taken by the First Congress.

The First Congress organized executive departments, established a federal court system through the Judiciary Act, and imposed duties on imported goods.