KEY TERMS Key Terms and People to Know for the Regents Exam
Alexander Hamilton / National Bank
Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, proposed the creation of a national bank to improve the economic position of the US government.
Strict vs. Loose Interpretation of the Constitution
Jefferson and Hamilton differed on whether to apply a strict (follow the rules exactly) or loose (bend the rules) interpretation of the Constitution. Jefferson thought creating a national bank was unconstitutional.
First Political Parties
Conflicts between Jeffersonians and Hamiltonians during the national bank debate led directly to the start of the first political parties.
Alien and Sedition Acts / KY and VA Resolutions
Because they believed the Alien and Sedition Acts (laws forbidding speech against the government) were unconstitutional, the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions claimed that states had the right to disregard the federal law.
John Marshall / The Marshall Court
Under Chief Justice John Marshall, the Supreme Court strengthened its authority by applying judicial review to state and national laws. Many of Marshall’s decisions increased the power of the federal government over the states.
Marbury v. Madison
The Marbury v. Madison decision, made by the Marshall Court, established the power of judicial review. Judicial review is not specifically in the Constitution, but is part of the unwritten constitution because of the precedent established in this case.
McCulloch v. Maryland / Gibbons v. Ogden
The McCulloch v. Maryland decision stated that federal law is supreme over state law. Gibbons v. Ogden addressed the issue of regulation of interstate commerce. Both cases strengthened federal power over the states.