American Revolutions: A Continental History, 1750-1804

Thomas Jefferson and James Madison formed the Democratic-Republican political party in opposition to the policies of the Federalists. The Democratic-Republicans championed states’ rights, a strict interpretation of the Constitution, and a foreign policy sympathetic to France. Throughout the work, this party represents the agrarian and populist elements in American politics, advocating for a decentralized government and wider participation in the democratic process.

The Federalists were a political group that advocated for a strong national government and supported the ratification of the US Constitution. Led by figures like Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, and John Marshall, Federalists believed in a centralized financial system, indirect elections, and a loose interpretation of the Constitution. The term within the book often denotes the tension between the desire for national cohesion and the fear of centralized tyranny.

This term refers to the political philosophy of Thomas Jefferson, which emphasized the welfare of the common man, agrarianism, and a decentralized government. Jeffersonian democracy is pivotal in understanding the shift towards more democratic values in the early 19th century, particularly after Jefferson’s election in 1800. This ideology laid the groundwork for the expansion of suffrage and an emphasis on individual liberty and states’ rights over the power of the federal government.

Judicial review describes a doctrine under which legislative and executive actions are subject to review (and possible invalidation) by the judiciary. This term is crucial for understanding how the Supreme Court, under Chief Justice John Marshall, asserted the power of the judiciary to shape American law and politics, thereby ensuring that the Constitution would be a living document interpreted according to the changing needs and circumstances of the country.

The Louisiana Purchase refers to the acquisition of the Louisiana territory from France in 1803, during Jefferson’s presidency. This event is significant for doubling the size of the United States and opening the West to exploration and settlement. The Louisiana Purchase illustrates US expansion and the complexities of Jefferson’s principles, as it represented a departure from his strict interpretation of the Constitution to achieve a national objective.

This was a landmark Supreme Court case in 1803 that established the principle of judicial review in the United States, affirming the court’s role as a check on the other branches of government. This case is essential for understanding the development of the American legal system and the balance of power among the branches of government.

This was an 1819 Supreme Court case that confirmed the federal government’s implied powers over the states. Chief Justice John Marshall’s ruling upheld the constitutionality of the Bank of the United States, asserting the validity of federal laws over state laws when in conflict. This case is pivotal for its role in defining the scope of federal power and the nature of the union.

This concept emerged in the post-Revolutionary era, emphasizing the role of women in nurturing the principles of liberty and democracy in their children. This term highlights the expanding ideals of democracy and citizenship, reflecting the evolving notions of gender and societal roles in the early republic.

Part of the Alien and Sedition Acts, this 1798 law made it illegal to publish defamatory statements about the federal government or its officials. The Sedition Act is often discussed in terms of its impact on free speech and political debate, serving as a flashpoint for the conflict between Federalist desires for order and Republican championing of individual liberties.