The Presidents Vocabulary

Judicial Act of 1789 Established a federal court system. “Supreme law of the land”.

Whiskey Rebellion Farmers rebel against a tax on whiskey. Washington, with army, put it down. Showed strength of Constitution.

Unwritten Constitution Precedents and customs not put in the Constitution; Political Parties, Cabinet, Committee System, Judicial Review, lobbying.

Democratic Republicans Jefferson’s party that wanted a strict interpretation of the Constitution, states’ rights and equality.

Pinckney’s Treaty 1795 Spain gave up all claims to land east of the Mississippi (except Florida). U.S. can use Mississippi River & port of New Orleans.

Jay’s Treaty 1794 Britain agreed to evacuate posts in Northwest Territory, but were allowed to continue their fur trade (western settlers angry).

XYZ Affair 1797 Incident in which French officials demanded a bribe from U.S. diplomats. Anti-French feelings.

Alien and Sedition Acts 1798 President Adams targeted immigrants and those that opposed him. 1st Amendment?

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions Response to the Alien and Sedition Acts. States wanted the right to nullify (consider void) any act by Congress they didn’t like. Unconstitutional.

Louisiana Purchase Jefferson used elastic clause, against his beliefs, to purchase land west of the Mississippi. Doubled the size of US & gave control of Mississippi R.

Neutrality Policy set by G. Washington as part of Farewell Address to stay out of foreign alliances.

The Cabinet President’s advisors- unwritten constitution.

Judicial Review Decision of Marbury v. Madison to allow Supreme Court to determine a law unconstitutional.

Elastic Clause Art. 1 Sec. 8, Clause 18. Congress may pass any law that is “necessary and proper”. National Bank.

War of 1812 First war fought on US soil between US and Britain. Buffalo and Washington, DC burned. Ended in a stalemate.

Impressment British ships kidnap American sailors and force them into service in the GB navy. Cause of War of 1812.

Precedent Example or model, Ex: Two term limit & Cabinet

Protective Tariff Tax on imports intended to help American businesses by making English products more expensive.

National Bank Part of Hamilton’s financial plan to deal with war debt. Used elastic clause.

War Hawks Politicians who pushed for war.