WASHINGTON & ADAMS

U.S. HISTORY TEST REVIEW

FIRST, A QUICK REVIEWChapter 7 covered events leading up to the ratification of the Constitution at the Convention in Philadelphia in 1787.

THE GREAT COMPROMISE

At the Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia in 1787, delegates agreed to compromise on what formula should be used for Congressional representation.

VIRGINIA PLANOne of two plans, the Virginia Plan proposed a single-house legislature with representation based on state population.

FEDERALISMThe principle of Federalism deals with the division of power between the national and state governments.

CHECKS AND BALANCESThe three branches of government each check the other to make sure that a balance of power exists between the branches. EX: The President nominates a justice to the Supreme Court, who the Senate will confirm.

FEDERALISTS VS. ANTIFEDERALISTS

Federalists believed that the text of the Constitution should be interpreted loosely, according to historical and social changes.

AMENDMENT PROCESSThe Constitution of the United States is a living document that can be amended, or changed, adjusting to changing times.

THE BILL OF RIGHTSThe Bills of Rights is the first ten amendments to the Constitution.

The 10th Amendment outlines the concept of limited government.

WASHINGTON’S PRESIDENCY

Jay’s Treaty kept U.S. out of war with Britain.

Washington did not like the treaty, but believed it was the best that could be done.

WASHINGTON ON NATIONAL DEBT

The First Bank of the United States was formed during Washington’s presidency

State debt was assumed, and the nation was put on firm financial footing.

WASHINGTON ON NATIONAL DEBT

Secretary of the Treasury Hamilton proposed a plan to respond to deal with the country’s economic problems:

Create a national bank

Impose a whiskey tax

Repay federal and state debts

HAMILTON ON NATIONAL DEBT

Secretary of the Treasury Hamilton’s economic plan was designed to help build the national economy.

HAMILTON VS. JEFFERSON

Hamilton believed in a flexible interpretation of the Constitution, while Jefferson believed in a strict construction.

WASHINGTON ON FOREIGN POLICY

Washington believed that the U.S. must be self-governing. If our alliances with other countries take away any of our authority, then the Revolutionary War was fought for nothing.

WASHINGTON ON FOREIGN POLICY

He adopted a position of neutrality in foreign relations.

In April 1793, he issued the Proclamation of Neutrality saying the U.S. would not take sides in the war between England and France.

WASHINGTON ON FOREIGN POLICY

The Pinckney Treaty addressed settlers’ disputes over Florida with Spain.

WASHINGTON ON IMMIGRATION

“I hoped that this land might become a safe….asylum to ….mankind, to whatever nation they might belong.”

He wanted to allow the immigration of people from foreign countries.

WASHINGTON & THE JUDICIARY ACT

During the Washington Administration, the passage of the Judiciary Act set up the federal courts system.

WASHINGTON & THE WHISKEY REBELLION

Washington used the state militia to put down the Whiskey Rebellion

He demonstrated that the new national government intended to enforce federal laws.

WASHINGTON & POLITICAL PARTIES

“(Political parties) serve to distract the public and (weaken the government).”

Washington disagreed with Madison over the necessity of political parties.

WASHINGTON SETS A PRECEDENT

George Washington set an important precedent by stepping down as President after two terms in office.

WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL

In his Farewell Address, President Washington influenced future foreign policy. The U.S. attempted to remain neutral with foreign powers through the 19th century.

WASHINGTON’S FAREWELL

He wanted the nation to avoid forming alliances with foreign nations.

ALIEN & SEDITION ACTSAdams’ controversial Alien and Sedition Acts restricted citizens from criticizing the government.

ALIEN & SEDITION ACTSCongress passed these Acts were in response to the “XYZ Affair” and threats to national security.

Newspaper editors were punished for their criticism of the government.

PROBLEMS OF THE EARLY REPUBLIC

Creating a stable economic system

Defining authority of the national government

Maintaining national security

GOOD LUCK!