AP Final Test Prep
AP US1- Karnas
UNITS OF FOCUS
With your group complete the following:
UNIT:
The Early Republic
What are some of the themes and big ideas that are reflected in this unit?
 Excess of Democracy
 Establishing a government/ constitution
 Balance of powers
 Political party system
 Federal vs. State
 Strong vs. loose interpretation of the Constitution
 Foreign relations
 Westward expansion
 Development of Fiscal Policies
Identify at least 4 of the most significant documents from this time period. I encourage you to look
at documents that we have read this year as well as those that we may not have read, but that we
discussed (think legislation, supreme court rulings, etc). Yes this is something that can be done
quickly, but the thoroughness of your responses will benefit you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DOCUMENT 1 (DATE):
1789 Washington’s Inaugural Address
Context: Washington was elected unanimously immediately following the Revolutionary war. He
was a military hero and revered by citizens nationwide. At the time there were no clearly defined
political parties, and post war nationalism was still very high. He was setting a precedent for all
future presidents with his inauguration. The inauguration was a very large affair with celebrations
occurring nationwide.
Meaning: Washington is outlining his responsibilities as a president and in doing so he is setting
an example for future presidents. He refuses a salary. Washington advocates for an isolationist
nation. He acknowledges his initial resistance to accepting the position, but he accepts the job
claiming it is his duty to this country.
Significance: Washington plans how he will run the nation and sets up an idea of the problems
that will be addressed. By warning the public of the issues, he is acknowledging that he
understand there will be issues and hardships. This will give the future presidents an idea of how
to run the nation, and the humbleness and strength that is needed to successfully run the country.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DOCUMENT 2 (DATE):
Context:
Virginia and Kentucky Acts (1798 and 1799)
AP Final Test Prep
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AP US1- Karnas
They were written after the Alien and Sedition Acts during Adams presidency.
First time there wasn’t a unanimous vote- discontent within the nation amongst different
groups
Federal v State rights- does the federal government have the right to nullify state law
Opposition and resentment toward acts
Are they unconstitutional? First amendment issues
Threatening of nullification
Meaning:
 Argue that states have the right to declare unconstitutional law null and void
 Federal government wasn’t representing them and going against the constitution
 Fighting for their beliefs in a mature and assertive manner
Significance:
 Set a precedent of how more issues would be handled
 Would then give South Carolina ideas for nullification during the Nullification Crisis in
1832
 Hartford Convention was also influenced
 States did not feel that their ideas were being respected they had the right to defy and fight
the laws
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DOCUMENT 3 (DATE):
Washington’s Farewell Address (1796)
Context: Washington’s presidency is over. Adams will be the next President of the United States.
There is a formation of political parties during the next election, and the nation has begun to split
based off of their political beliefs. There is a change of political party ruling, which will affect the
balance of power in America.
Meaning: Washington advises the future presidents of the nation to not entangle alliances with
the European nations and to stay neutral. He warns the public of the dangers of the party system,
and the problems it can bring to the American government. He stresses not having a large military,
and to stay out of wars with other nation. He also warns against obtaining a lot of debt and to
maintain public credit.
Significance: Washington’s Farewell Address outlines how Washington believes the country
should be run. However, during this time the political parties were forming. Adams beliefs differed
from Washington’s, which would affect Adam’s consideration of Washington’s advice. This aided
the formation of parties. His advice would aid the parties to mold their beliefs either for or against
what Washington had to say.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DOCUMENT 4 (DATE):
Jefferson’s Fi rst Inaugural Address (1801)
AP Final Test Prep
AP US1- Karnas
Context: Jefferson is the third president, and a democratic republican. At the time, the Federalists
and Democratic Republican sentiments were running high, and the different identities of the
parties were forming. Hamilton’s financial plan was being put into affect. The formation of both
the bank and taxes caused controversy in the new nation. The election marked the first time that
popular election was used.
Meaning: In the address, Jefferson praised the use of a small federal government that allowed the
American people to live their lives. He supported state governments that would create their own
laws. He also stressed the union of the political parties because of their common goal to advance
the American nation. He believed that the agrarian farmers had the key to success and that their
rights deserved to be protected. He also stated that democracy would lead the American nation to
ruin.
Significance: Jefferson’s inauguration marked the first change of political parties rule in America.
There was disagreement over the president from the different parties. This gave strength to the
agrarian farmers, and would cause future presidents like Jackson to also praise the small farmers.
This also caused him to be interested in westward expansion. He would eventually purchase the
Louisiana Territory, which would greatly benefit the nation. His speech also continued the debate
on state vs federal power in America.