AP US History
Chapter 8 Study Guide – Republican Ascendancy
Chapter Summary
The presidencies of Jefferson and Madison ushered in a dominance of the Jeffersonian
vision of republicanism that would last decades, and that caused the Federalist Party to
fall apart. Jefferson oversaw major reforms to the national government and a doubling of
the size of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase. President Jefferson and his
successor also faced foreign policy crises that tested their ability to solve problems
diplomatically and that eventually culminated in war.
Regional Identities in a New Republic
1. What caused the formation and reinforcement of new regional identities in
America?
2. What geographic features helped Americans to expand westward?
3. Identify Tenskwatawa and Tecumseh:
4. Describe the nature of economic life in Jeffersonian America:
Jefferson as President
5. Explain what Jefferson wanted to do to the national debt and why he believed this
was necessary:
6. Why did the Federalist Party begin to fall apart during Jefferson’s presidency?
7. Explain why Monroe and Livingston were surprised that they were able to buy all
of Louisiana from the French in 1803:
a. Why was the Louisiana Purchase something that “would alter the course
of American history”?
8. Explain the purpose of the Lewis and Clark Expedition:
9. What led to the Barbary War?
Jefferson’s Critics
10. What did the Judiciary Act of 1801 do?
a. Why did the Federalists pass this law?
11. Identify the decision in Marbury v. Madison (1803):
a. Explain the significance of this Supreme Court case:
12. Examine the political cartoon on page 236 and explain the author’s message:
13. What two things did Vice President Aaron Burr do to ruin his political career?
14. Describe the law regarding slavery that was passed in 1807. How effective was
this law?
Embarrassments Overseas
15. How did the war between France and Britain affect the United States?
16. Identify Embargo Act (1807):
17. Describe the causes and effects of the Embargo Act of 1807:
Causes
Effects
18. Examine the political cartoon on page 241 and explain what is going on:
19. Who followed Jefferson as president?
20. What made William Henry Harrison a national hero?
a. How was this related to Britain?
21. Identify War Hawks. What did they advocate? Who were their leaders?
22. What were Madison’s goals in declaring war on Britain in 1812?
23. Why does the author say that the battle of New Orleans never should have
occurred?
a. Describe the effects of the battle of New Orleans:
24. Identify Hartford Convention (1814). Who met at this convention? What did
the men at this convention propose?
25. Describe the causes and effects of the Hartford Convention:
Causes
Effects
26. What was achieved by the Treaty of Ghent (1804)?
27. Explain why many Americans viewed the War of 1812 as an important success: