An example to be followed by others in the future.
"George Washington set a precedent by serving only two terms as president."
Contrary to what is permitted in the U.S. Constitution.
"The judiciary act of 1789 was found to be unconstitutional."
A tax placed on goods entering a country from another country.
"Alexander Hamilton proposed a tariff on imported goods to help pay off the nation's debt."
Not favoring either side in a dispute.
"The policy of the United States was to remain neutral during foreign conflicts."
The practice of seizing sailors on American ships and forcing them to serve in the British navy.
"The impressment of American sailors was one of the causes of the War of 1812."
An outsider; someone from another country.
"The Alien Act allowed the president to jail or deport any immigrant who was considered dangerous."
A stirring up of rebellion against a government.
"The Sedition Acts made it a crime to say anything against the government."
To cancel a federal law; to deprive of legal force.
"States' rights advocates believed in the power to nullify federal laws they considered unconstitutional."
The right of states to limit the power of the federal government.
"Thomas Jefferson supported states’ rights and a limited federal government."
The idea that the government should not interfere with the economy.
"Thomas Jefferson's economic policies were influenced by the principles of laissez faire."
The principle that the Supreme Court has the right to decide whether acts of Congress are constitutional or not.
"The Supreme Court established the power of judicial review in the case of Marbury vs. Madison."
The government order that forbids foreign trade.
"Jefferson's administration enacted an embargo to avoid conflict during the Napoleonic Wars."
Money paid by one country to another in exchange for protection.
"Tripoli demanded tribute from the United States, leading to the First Barbary War."
One of the members of congress who called war with Britain prior to the war of 1812.
"Henry Clay was considered a warhawk, advocating for war against Britain."
Shutting a port or roadway to prevent people or supplies from coming into or leaving an area.
"The British blockade of American ports contributed to rising tensions that led to the War of 1812."
To withdraw from membership in a group.
"The Hartford Convention raised the possibility that New England states might secede from the Union."