APUSH Period 4: The Transformation of Politics and Economy (1800–1848)

Revolution of 1800

The peaceful transfer of power from the Federalist Party to the Democratic-Republicans.

Jeffersonian Democracy

Advocated for an agrarian society and limited federal government; however, Jefferson's presidency saw increased federal power.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional, established by Marbury v. Madison (1803).

McCulloch v. Maryland

Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of the Second Bank of the United States and asserted federal supremacy.

Gibbons v. Ogden

Clarified that Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce.

Market Revolution

A period of economic transformation that changed how Americans approached democracy, labor, and gender roles.

Transportation Revolution

Key innovations, including steamboats, canals, and railroads, that enhanced trade and transport in America.

Cotton Gin

An invention by Eli Whitney that revolutionized Southern agriculture and entrenched slavery.

Interchangeable Parts

A manufacturing system developed by Eli Whitney that allowed for mass production.

Telegraph

An invention by Samuel Morse that enabled instant communication over long distances.

Lowell System

An employment system in Massachusetts that hired young, unmarried women for textile mills.

Cult of Domesticity

The belief that men belonged in the public sphere while women were confined to the domestic sphere.

Universal White Male Suffrage

The political change granting voting rights to all white males, regardless of property ownership.

Nominating Conventions

Democratic processes that replaced the 'King Caucus' system for selecting presidential candidates.

Second Party System

Political system in the 1830s featuring the Democrats and Whigs as the two dominant parties.

The American System

Economic plan by Henry Clay embraced by the Whigs, focusing on a national bank, protective tariffs, and internal improvements.

Spoils System

The practice of giving government jobs to political supporters, associated with Andrew Jackson.

Nullification Crisis

A conflict where South Carolina attempted to nullify federal tariffs, challenging federal authority.

Bank War

Andrew Jackson's conflict with the Second Bank of the U.S., resulting in the bank's demise and the Panic of 1837.

Indian Removal Act

Legislation that led to the forced removal of Native Americans from their lands, exemplified by the Trail of Tears.

Trail of Tears

The forced relocation of Cherokee Indians, resulting in significant suffering and death.

Corrupt Bargain

The contested outcome of the Election of 1824 that led to a split in the Democratic-Republican Party.

Era of Good Feelings

A period nominally characterized by political unity but marked by economic and social tensions.

Hartford Convention

A gathering of Federalists during the War of 1812 that marked the decline of the Federalist Party.

Jackson's Use of Veto

Andrew Jackson used his veto power more than all previous presidents, reflecting his populist approach.

Class Stratification

The emergence of distinct economic classes in post-Revolution America, widening the gap between rich and poor.

Interstate Commerce

Trade and economic activity conducted across state lines, regulated by the federal government.