Unit 3: Articles of Confederation, Constitution, 1st 2 President

How did the conflict between states' rights and federal authority manifest during John Adams's presidency?

• Some states claimed that limits on slavery violated state police powers and refused to enforce antislavery laws.

• Some states claimed the Alien and Sedition Acts violated the Constitution and refused to enforce them.

• Some states believed the Indian Removal Act violated state authority to govern territory and refused to enforce the act.

• Some states believed the president was going to start a war with Great Britain and refused to pay taxes to the federal government.

In what way did President George Washington set an important precedent?

• by recognizing Washington, DC, as the nation's capital

• by issuing the first pocket veto

• by stepping down after two terms

• by establishing the State of the Union address

Why was the creation of the cabinet system an important precedent of George Washington's presidency?

• Presidents often must challenge the actions of lower levels of government in order to maintain the supremacy of federal law. 

• Presidents often require assistance in convincing other members of government to support the president's agenda and policies.

• Presidents often lack expertise in certain areas of governance and can rely on the knowledge of others when making important decisions.

• Presidents often struggle to govern within the confines of constitutional limitations on their power and need to expand their authority.

Why was Congress’ lack of taxation power considered a weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• The confederation government could not generate money to recover from the Revolutionary War, leaving it weak and susceptible. 

• The confederation government could not control its states like England controlled its colonies by forcing them to pay taxes.

• The confederation government could not generate enough support to pay for the replacement of munitions following Shays’ Rebellion. 

• The confederation government could not make citizens fund the union because they continuously pushed westward, away from governmental control.

Why did John Adams and his Federalist Congress pass the Sedition Act?

• to prevent events like Shays' Rebellion

• to convince Anti-Federalists that a Bill of Rights was unnecessary

• to prevent Democratic-Republicans from publishing papers that criticized the federal government

• to convince Democratic-Republicans that a Federalist administration would not oppress dissent

Prior to his inauguration as president of the United States, George Washington often said, "I walk on untrodden ground," indicating that he understood that

• very few people would ever serve in the same capacity.

• his time in office would shape the role of the presidency.

• serving as president would require a great deal of work.

• he would need to acquire new territory for the country.

Which BEST explains why Thomas Jefferson fiercely criticized President John Adams?

• Adams continually increased taxes to pay for his lavish lifestyle.

• Adams’ administration had conflicts with France and Great Britain that crippled the nation’s economy.

• Adams betrayed his own party, the Democratic-Republicans, to pass the Alien and Sedition Acts.

• Adams failed to set presidential precedents because he was embroiled in governmental affairs left over by the Washington administration.

Which freedom guaranteed by the constitution do the Alien and Sedition Acts, passed by Congress and signed by President John Adams, violate?

• due process

• freedom of religion

• freedom of speech

• unreasonable searches and seizures

Which piece of legislation was used by John Adams to suppress opposition from his political rivals?

• Sedition Act

• Intolerable Acts

• Northwest Ordinance

• Proclamation of 1763

What is one reason John Adams lost the election of 1800?

• Adams was too sympathetic to the French Revolution.

• The Federalists condemned Adams for limiting free speech and press rights.

• Alexander Hamilton persuaded the Federalists to vote for Thomas Jefferson after an electoral college tie.

• The Democratic-Republicans portrayed Adams’ various acts as a threat to civil liberties.