The Constitution and New Republic 1776 - 1800 Chapter 6

Philadelphia Convention Unpopular Government 1783 members of Confederation Congress withdrew from Philadelphia to escape army vets difficult to secure a quorum to sign a treaty ending the war 1780s wealthy and powerful groups demand a national government capable of dealing with problems that effected them

Issues different taxes in different states, desire for one national duty wealthy individuals wanted an end to paper money large property owners looked for protection from mobs “Indian Menace”

Constitutional Convention General Info Lasted from May to Sept. 1787 fifty-five men all states except Rhode Island average age was 44 (young!) represented property interests feared “turbulence and follies” of democracy products of Revolution

Alexander Hamilton (NY) Aide to General Washington Unhappy with A of C Called for National Convention (w. James Madison)

George Washington (VA) important figure initially did not want to join the cause Shays Rebellion freaked him out! Support gave the meeting credibility Unanimously chosen to preside over convention

James Madison (VA) 36 years old idea of a national government two houses: “upper” and “lower” (a.k.a. Virginia Plan) credited (by Brinkley) as being most important cast member created plans to resolve issue of sovereignty and limit power

Edmund Randolph (VA) Older delegate who Madison spoke through credited with proposing three branches of Government idea originated from Baron de Montesquieu (France)

Ben Franklin Oldest delegate: 81 “heated” arguments Served to sooth the delegates (pg. 197 quote)

Thomas Jefferson (VA) In France at time of convention Wrote continual letters to almost every member Viewed Shay’s Rebellion differently than most, including Washington. “a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical” Brinkley, pg. 196

Politics of Convention Each member has a single vote Simple majority, doesn’t need to be unanimous

Issues Representation (Small v. Large States) “heated” disagreements Grand committee Single representative “Great Compromise” Two houses “lower” based on population (House of Reps) “upper” equal representation (Senate)

Issues Cont’d South (v. North) and Slavery (representation) No tax on exports (cotton, tobacco) No tax on slaves more than $10 No authority to stop slave trade for 20 years Concentrated Authority (Federal v. States Rights) Separation of powers 3 branches: executive, judicial, legislative

Issues Cont’d Sovereignty Unresolved State and federal Power US Constitution would be “supreme law” Federal government would have the power to: Tax Big difference from Articles of Confederation Unresolved No definition of citizenship Absence of individual rights

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Ratification Convention changed the rules Federalists Supporters of the Constitution Organized Eminent leaders Federalist Papers Feared chaos

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Cont’d People against Ratification Believed Constitution corrupted principles of Revolution No government could be trusted Ratification (continued) States

Washington’s Presidency The First President Received the votes of all presidential electors Bill of Rights Even people originally against a Bill of Rights (Madison) believed it was important to legitimize gov’t Congress approved First TWELVE Amendments Ten of them were ratified by the states by the end of 1791

Washington’s Presidency Cont’d Bill of Rights Cont’d 9 placed limits on Congress by forbidding it to take away human rights One (#10) reserve to the states all powers except those specifically withheld from them or delegated to the federal government

Washington’s Presidency Cont’d Washington’s Cabinet Henry Knox= Secretary of War Alexander Hamilton = Secretary of Treasury Edmund Randolph= Attorney General Thomas Jefferson= Secretary of State

Hamilton’s Financial Program Elitist Prospective Support the wealthy and powerful “Funding the Debt” Wanted to create a large national debt National Bank Provide loans and currency to business Safe place for federal funds

Hamilton’s Financial Program Cont’d Revenue Lands in the west Excise taxes Liquors Imports Dissent Bonds Assumption Bill Bank Bill

Hamilton’s Financial Program Cont’d Results Won support of influential segments of the population Large profits Manufactures benefitted from taxes on imports Small farmers and average people saw Federalist program as only benefitting a small group of wealthy elites

Institutionalized Factionalism (AKA Early Political Parties) Federalists Base Philosophies Strong central, national government Complex economy World power Enlightened ruling class Horrified by French Revolution Alexander Hamilton

Institutionalized Factionalism (AKA Early Political Parties) Republicans Not connected to the modern Republican Party which was founded in 1850 Base Philosophies Organized to counter growing tyrannical structure Modest central gov’t Rural agrarian Most power to states and people Supported French Revolution James Madison and Thomas Jefferson TJ identified himself as a farmer Fearful of advance industrial economy

Foreign and Domestic Difficulties Fallout Whiskey tax Hamilton urges Washington to raise a united militia from 3 states 15,000 troops led by Washington himself Message: no more rebellions Native Americans Land Many in NW and SW still in Alliance w/ British and Spanish Ordinances of 1784-87 lead to border conflicts Constitution left the question unanswered over who was in control of the West

Foreign and Domestic Difficulties Cont’d Native Americans Cont’d Rights “not taxed” Regulate commerce not “foreign Nations” No representation Maintaining Neutrality French at War 1789 new French gov’t went to war with GB and it’s allies US hopes to preserve Neutrality

John Adam’s Presidency Strange Election Adams nominated as head of Federalists Deterioration of French Relations Jay’s and Pinckney’s treaties Maintained neutrality Established NW sovereignty XYZ Affair Led to an undeclared war against France Navy won a series of duels with French vessels Became an ally with Britain in war against France

John Adam’s Presidency Cont’d Deterioration of French Relations Cont’d The Alien and Sedition Acts (among the most controversial legislation in American History) Alien Act Placed obstacles in the way of foreigners who wished to become American citizens Discouraged immigration and many people left country

John Adam’s Presidency Cont’d Sedition Act Prosecute anyone engaged in “sedition” against gov’t 10 Republican newspaper editors arrested Republican counter-action Supreme Court did not have authority to overrule and act of Congress at the time Jefferson and Madison turn to the states Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions argue that national gov’t cannot exercise “unauthoritative powers” Results Virginia and Kentucky only states to declare statues void Dispute between Republicans and Federalists rise to a national level Nation divided politically

The “Revolution” of 1800 Political Welfare Feds accuse Jefferson of: Being radical = “Reign of Terror” Romance? Republicans accuse Adams of: Being a tyrant trying to be a king Subverting liberty Imposing slavery on the people

New law requires two person on ballot Republicans plan to have Jefferson win and Burr second (VP) But there’s a tie at 73 each (so it goes to the House, where Federalists dominate) After a bunch of votes, Hamilton argues that Burr is untrustworthy!- and Jefferson wins! This creates some resentment by Burr! MIDNIGHT APPOINTMENTS! Before Adams leaves office he tries to fill in a bunch of new commissions, signing up to midnight on his last day in office.

Revolution of 1800!? Was it a revolution? YES = It was a change in the political party in control of the government (also bloodless) NO – there was no change in political system (constitution), economy or society!