Changes after the Revolution A New Nation Changes after the Revolution

Federal government (national, central) Makes laws for the entire country; collects taxes to provide services for the whole country; in Washington D.C.; gives some powers to the states

State government Makes laws concerning only that state; may or may not collect a state tax; controls education and marriage laws

amend To make a change (an amendment is a change/addition to anything but we will be specifically discussing amendments to the Constitution)

constitution A document that details the way a government will work for a particular state or country

Judicial review The power the judicial branch has over the legislative branch; the Supreme Court can determine if a law is unconstitutional.

Political party a group of people with similar opinions about economic, political, and social issues.

unconstitutional Conflicting (going against) someone’s inalienable rights as stated in the Constitution

A loose alliance between states confederation A loose alliance between states

veto The executive branch’s power over the legislative branch; the president’s ability to reject a law

To cancel or refuse to follow nullify To cancel or refuse to follow

An official order or decree ordinance An official order or decree

America’s first leaders Congress and the first five presidents made decisions establishing a strong government that helped the nation grow in size and power. All of the first five presidents were Virginians except John Adams.

George Washington Federal court system was established. Political parties grew out of the disagreements between Hamilton and Jefferson over the proper role of the national government. The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution of the United States of America. Plans were initiated for development of the national capital in Washington, D.C. Benjamin Banneker, an African American astronomer and surveyor, helped complete the design for the city.

John Adams A two-party system emerged during his administration.

Thomas Jefferson He bought Louisiana from France (Louisiana Purchase). Lewis and Clark explored this new land west of the Mississippi River.

James Madison The War of l812 caused European nations to gain respect for the United States.

James Monroe He introduced the Monroe Doctrine warning European nations not to interfere in the Western Hemisphere.

Essential Questions What were the basic weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation? What were the basic principles of governments stated in the Constitution of the United States of America and Bill of Rights? What were the major differences between Hamilton and Jefferson? What were the major national issues and events faced by the first five presidents?