Unit 10 Vocabulary (Washington & Adams)

the total amount of money that the government of a country owes

national debt

Bank set up in 1791 to hold government deposits, to issue paper money, to pay government bills, and to make loans to farmers and businesses.

Bank of the United States

The idea that states were not obligated to follow federal laws they thought violated the Constitution

States' Rights

Reading and using the Constitution in a way that restricts the power of the federal government to only the powers listed in the Constitution

Strict Interpretation

Ceremony in which the President officially takes the oath of office

Inauguration

the belief that a country should not be involved with other countries

Isolationism

A 1795 agreement between Britain and the United States that called for Britain to pay damages for seized American ships and to give up forts is still held into the West. In exchange, the U.S. would repay debts owed to British merchants.

Jay's Treaty

A 1793 statement by President Washington that the United States would not support or aid either France or Britain in their European conflict.

Neutrality Proclamation

to cause (something) to lose its value or to have no effect

Nullify

An act or decision that sets to example for others to follow.

Precedent

Tax on foreign goods brought into a country

Protective Tariff

In 1798, Federalist-supported laws that permitted the President to expel foreigners, make it harder for immigrants to become citizens, and allowed for citizens to be fined or jailed if they criticized the government or its officials.

Alien & Sedition Acts

Group of officials who head government departments and advise the President.

Cabinet

activities that relate to the buying and selling of goods and services

Commerce

Supporters of Thomas Jefferson, who favored strong state governments and a weak federal government

Democratic Republicans

Actions that a nation takes in relation to itself.

Domestic Policy

Final official speech of Presidents as they leave office.

Farewell Address

Supporters of Alexander Hamilton, who favored a strong national government.

Federalists

Actions that a nation takes in relation to other nations.

Foreign Policy

Statements opposing the Alien and Sedition Acts and declared them null. Although no other states approved the resolutions, they began the idea of states' rights.

Kentucky & Virginia Resolution

Reading and using the Constitution in a way that gives all power to the federal government that are not specifically denied

Loose Interpretations

A 1794 protest over a tax on all liquor made and sold in the United States

Whiskey Rebellion