An example to be followed by others in the future.
"George Washington established the precedent of serving only two terms as president."
Contrary to what is permitted in the U.S. Constitution.
"The Supreme Court ruled that the law was unconstitutional."
A tax placed on goods entering a country from another country.
"The government imposed a new tariff on imported steel to protect domestic producers."
Not favoring either side in a dispute.
"Switzerland is known for its policy of neutrality in international conflicts."
The practice of seizing sailors on American ships and forcing them to serve in the British navy.
"Impressment of American sailors was one of the causes of the War of 1812."
An outsider; someone from another country.
"The Alien Act of 1798 gave the president the authority to deport aliens considered dangerous to the peace and safety of the United States."
A stirring up of rebellion against a government.
"The Sedition Act made it a crime to publish any false, scandalous, and malicious writing about the government."
To cancel a federal law; to deprive of legal force.
"The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions suggested that states had the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional."
The right of states to limit the power of the federal government.
"The concept of states' rights was a contentious issue leading up to the American Civil War."
The idea that the government should not interfere with the economy.
"Many business people advocate for laissez faire economics to prevent government from over-regulating trade."
The principle that the Supreme Court has the right to decide whether acts of Congress are constitutional or not.
"The case of Marbury vs. Madison established the principle of judicial review in the United States."
The government order that forbids foreign trade.
"The Embargo Act of 1807 prohibited American ships from trading in all foreign ports."
Money paid by one country to another in exchange for protection.
"In the early 1800s, the U.S. paid tribute to the Barbary pirates to protect American ships from being attacked."
One of the members of congress who called for war with Britain prior to the War of 1812.
"Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun were well-known warhawks who argued for a fight against British encroachments."
Shutting a port or roadway to prevent people or supplies from coming into or leaving an area.
"During the Civil War, the Union navy set up a blockade to cut off supplies to the Confederacy."
To withdraw from membership in a group.
"Eleven southern states seceded from the Union, leading to the Civil War."