Judiciary Act of 1789
Established the federal court system, including the Supreme Court with a chief justice and five associate justices, and set up district and circuit courts.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing individual liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process.
Report on Public Credit
Alexander Hamilton’s plan to handle national and state debts by assuming state debts and funding the national debt at full value to establish creditworthiness.
Bank of the United States
A national bank proposed by Hamilton to stabilize and improve the nation’s credit and to manage government funds.
Report on Manufactures
Hamilton’s proposal encouraging industrial development and protective tariffs to promote American manufacturing.
Proclamation of Neutrality
Washington’s 1793 declaration that the U.S. would remain neutral in the conflict between France and Britain.
French Revolution
A radical political and social upheaval in France (1789–1799) that influenced American politics and foreign policy debates.
Jacobins
Radical revolutionaries in France during the French Revolution who supported violent measures and republican ideals.
Whiskey Rebellion
1794 uprising by Pennsylvania farmers against the federal excise tax on whiskey, which was suppressed by federal troops, demonstrating federal authority.
Jay’s Treaty
1794 treaty between the U.S. and Britain that averted war, resolved some issues remaining since the Treaty of Paris, but angered many Americans for perceived concessions to Britain.
Haitian Revolution
A successful slave revolt in Saint-Domingue (Haiti) that established the first Black republic in the Americas and influenced U.S. views on slavery and revolution.
XYZ Affair
Diplomatic scandal in 1797 where French agents (called X, Y, Z) demanded bribes from American envoys, leading to an undeclared naval conflict with France.
Naturalization, Alien, and Sedition Acts
Laws passed in 1798 restricting immigration and free speech, targeting foreigners and critics of the Federalist government.
Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
Political statements drafted by Jefferson and Madison arguing that states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws (specifically the Alien and Sedition Acts).
Treaty of Greenville
1795 treaty in which Native American tribes ceded large parts of Ohio and Indiana to the U.S., following defeat at the Battle of Fallen Timbers.
Marbury vs. Madison
Supreme Court case that established judicial review, allowing the Court to declare laws unconstitutional.
Louisiana Purchase
1803 purchase of French territory west of the Mississippi River, doubling U.S. size and opening land for expansion.
Embargo Act of 1807
Jefferson’s law banning all American exports to avoid war with Britain and France, which severely hurt the U.S. economy.
Battle of Tippecanoe
1811 battle in Indiana where U.S. forces led by William Henry Harrison defeated Tecumseh’s Native American confederacy.
Treaty of Ghent
1814 treaty that ended the War of 1812 between the U.S. and Britain, restoring prewar boundaries without addressing maritime issues.
McCulloch v. Maryland
Supreme Court decision confirming federal authority over states and upholding the constitutionality of the national bank.
Adams Onis Treaty
1819 treaty where Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. and defined western boundaries of the Louisiana Purchase territory.
Monroe Doctrine
1823 U.S. policy declaring the Western Hemisphere off-limits to new European colonization and asserting U.S. influence in the Americas.
Alexander Hamilton
First Secretary of the Treasury, founder of the Federalist Party, advocated for a strong central government, national bank, and industrial economy.
