Download IN A NUTSHELL Weaknesses in the national government under The

Test 2 Things to Know
IN A NUTSHELL
A. Weaknesses in the national government under The Articles of Confederation led to
the Constitutional Convention in which a new and more powerful central
government was created.
B. In the 1790’s George Washington presided over the creation of a new government.
C. Although Washington warned against the “spirit of party”, political parties were
created during his presidency.
D. Party division, territorial growth, and a war in Europe shaped U.S. history in the
early 19th century.
E. A period of strong nationalism emerged in 1815 after the end of a second war with
Great Britain
 What significant battles led to the American victory over English forces? The Battles at
Trenton and Princeton helped keep the revolution alive. The American victory at Saratoga, New
York inspired the French to actively help Americans. The American Revolution ended in 1781
when General George Washington’s led troops defeated the British at Yorktown, Virginia. The
Treaty of Paris, in which Britain recognized American Independence, was signed in 1783.
 What were the articles of Confederation? The Articles provided the United States with its first
constitution. Under the Articles the central government had no power to tax, to regulate
commerce, to raise an army, or to enforce laws. Each state had one vote in the Confederation
Congress and it took a unanimous vote to amend the Articles of Confederation. In short, the
Articles created a weak government that many leaders wanted to strengthen.
 What event prompted delegates to write a new constitution? Daniel Shays led a rebellion of
debtor farmers against the Massachusetts government in the winter of 1786-87. Although the
rebellion was unsuccessful, it made many prominent Americans aware that the Continental
Congress was powerless to protect the nation from invasion or domestic violence.
 Who attended the Constitutional Convention? Although Rhode Island boycotted the
convention, 55 delegates from 12 states attended the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in
1787. George Washington of Virginia was chosen to preside. Delegates to the Convention
included Alexander Hamilton of New York, who spoke in favor of a strong central government,
Ben Franklin of Pennsylvania who gave prestige to the convention, and James Madison of
Virginia who was considered the “Father of the Constitution”. Several notable leaders such as
John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry did not attend.
 What was the Virginia Plan? Edmund Randolph of Virginia introduced a plan to create a new
central government with a bicameral (two house) legislature, an executive elected by the
legislature, and a separate judiciary. In Randolph’s plan the lower house would be elected by the
people and the upper house would be elected by the lower house. Representation in both houses of
legislation would be based on population of the state.
 What was the New Jersey Plan? William Paterson of New Jersey introduced a plan expressing
the desire of the small states for equal representation in a unicameral legislature.
 What was the Great Compromise? Delegates from Connecticut (Roger Sherman) introduced a
compromise to settle the argument between the large states and the small states over representation
in Congress. By the terms of the compromise the federal legislature would be bicameral with an
upper house (the Senate) based on equal representation from each state and a lower house (the
House of Representatives) based on population.
 What was the Three-Fifths Compromise? Delegates decided to count slaves as 3/5’s of a person
for both taxation and representation.
 What form of government was created by the U.S. Constitution? A republican form of
government based on separation of powers between three branches of government (Executive,
Legislative, and Judicial). In addition, the Constitution created a federal system of government that
separated powers between a national and state government.
 What arguments were presented in the debate over ratification of the US Constitution? AntiFederalist who opposed the Constitution, believed the new government would destroy the power
of the states and would not protect individual rights. Federalist, who supported the Constitution,
believed that strengthening the central government would provide stability and power to prevent
foreign domination and domestic rebellion. In addition, Federalist believed that by creating a
republican government with limited power, the rights of the people could not be violated.
When was the US Constitution ratified? By 1788 nine out of the thirteen states voted for
adopting the new form of government. Only two states – Rhode Island and N. Carolina – voted
against ratification. New government begins in 1789.
What were the major achievements of President Washington and the First Congress? They
established the executive departments (State, Treasury, and War) and created a federal court
system with a Supreme Court, and passed a revenue tariff. The also passed the first ten
amendments (The Bill of Rights) in 1791.
What policies did Alexander Hamilton adopt to strengthen the nation’s finances? To fund the
federal debt Hamilton, the first Secretary of Treasury, raised money through excise taxes, tariffs,
and the sale of western lands. He proposed that the federal government take over the states’ debts.
To create a strong national currency Hamilton created a Bank of the United States, a private bank
in which the federal government deposited federal funds. By showing that the new government
was financially responsible, Hamilton’s policies strengthened the power of the federal
government.
What criticisms were leveled at Hamilton’s policies? The tariffs created higher prices and some
states resented having to pay debts of other states. Farmers in western Pennsylvania protested the
excise tax on whiskey. The protest ended when Washington sent in federal troops. Critics of the
Bank of the United States said that it favored the wealthy, northerners, and was unconstitutional.
How did the French Revolution affect the United States? At first most American supported the
French Revolution that began in 1789. By 1793, American attitudes had changed when France
declared war on England, Spain, and Holland. Washington proclaims neutrality.
Why were political parties created? The differences between Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson
led to the formation of two political parties. Federalist, supporters of Hamilton, supported a strong
federal government. A loose interpretation of the Constitution, the Bank, England and revenue
tariffs. Democratic-Republicans, followers of Jefferson, opposed the Federalist on all of the issues
and supported France.
What were the important issues during John Adams’ presidency? As second president,
Adams faced great divisions between political parties and a potential war with France. To silence
opponents, Federalist passed the Alien and Sedition Acts.
The Importance of the election of 1800 – it was a peaceful transition of power between the
Federalist and the Democratic-Republicans.
Why did the U.S. go to war in 1812? In 1810, new generations of political leaders known as the
War Hawks were elected to Congress. They pressured President Madison to go to war with
England. England had violated the freedom of the seas and armed and encouraged Indian outrages.
The U.S. wanted to annex Canada. The war ended with the Treaty of Ghent with status quo antebellum.
What was the Era of Good Feelings? A period after the War of 1812 that was characterized by
strong nationalism and only one major political party.
What was the American System? Henry Clay introduced a proposal to make the U.S.
economically self-sufficient. His plan included a 2nd Bank of the United States, protective tariffs,
and internal improvements at federal expense.
What were the most important issues during Monroe’s presidency? The U.S. obtained Florida
from Spain and issued the Monroe Doctrine.
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Significant events
1.
5.
George Washington’s Inauguration
Annapolis Convention
1789
2.
Shays’ Rebellion 1786-1787
3.
Constitutional Convention 1787
4.
Ratification of the Constitution
6.
Judiciary Act 1789
7.
First Bank of the United States
8.
Proclamation of Neutrality
35. Thomas Jefferson
9.
Whiskey Rebellion
36. John Adams
10. Jay’s Treaty
37. James Madison
11. Pinckney’s Treaty
38. James Monroe
12. Washington’s Farewell Address
39. Aaron Burr
13. XYZ Affair
40. Edmont Genet
14. Alien and Sedition Acts
41. John Marshall
15. Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
42. Sacajewea
16. midnight judges
43. Henry Clay
17. Marbury v. Madison (1803)
44. William Henry Harrison
18. Louisiana Purchase
45. Tecumseh
19. Lewis and Clark Expedition
46. Andrew Jackson
20. Jefferson’s Embargo
47. John Quincy Adams
21. Battle of Tippecanoe
Additional Information
22. War of 1812
48. Virginia Plan
23. The Hartford Convention
49. New Jersey Plan
24. Treaty of Ghent
50. Great Compromise
25. Battle of New Orleans
51. 3/5th Compromise
26. The American System
52. republican form of government
27. Adams Onis Treaty 1819
53. federal system
28. Monroe Doctrine
54. separation of powers
29. Second Great Awakening
55. The Federalist Papers
Important People
56. excise tax
30. George Washington
57. loose versus strict interpretation
31. Alexander Hamilton
58. Federalist
32. Ben Franklin
59. Democratic-Republican
33. James Madison
60. 12th amendment
34. John Jay
61. impressments
62. protective tariff
63. internal improvements
64. Virginia Dynasty
65. corrupt bargain