The Federalist Era 1789 to 1800 Chapter Nine

The First President Section One

President George Washington On April 30, 1789; George Washington was elected as our first president with John Adams as Vice President. They serve under the new Constitution and were extremely well respected by the people, who were fearful of the office of the President. April 30, 1789

Vice President John Adams

Setting Precedent Washington set many precedents, or traditions, with every decision he made in office. He created the title, “Mr. President” and served two terms.

State Department Thomas Jefferson

Treasury Department Alexander Hamilton

War Department Henry Knox

Attorney General Edmund Randolph

cabinet These advisors along with Attorney General, Edmund Randolph, became known as the cabinet. Adams broke the tie in the Senate to allow the president to replace cabinet members without Senate approval.

Judiciary Act of 1789 The Judiciary Act of 1789 helped create the court system in the United States. The Federal Court System had 13 district courts and three circuit courts.

United States Supreme Court The United States Supreme Court would be the final authority in all matters. It could overturn any state ruling. John Jay was the first Chief Justice.

Bill of Rights 1791 In December of 1791, the congress passed the first 10 amendments, the Bill of Rights, to protect the individual rights and liberties of the American people.

the 10th Amendment The 10th Amendment was supposed to give the states some leverage with the United States Government. It basically says that any power that is not given to the federal government is given to the people or the states.

Hamilton & the National Debt Washington rarely dealt with financial issues leaving them to Hamilton. He dealt mostly with foreign and military issues. Hamilton’s biggest problem was the National Debt and how to stop it from growing. Hamilton suggested that the U.S. should take over all debts owed by the states to other nations or people since they got these debts creating the U.S. He hoped this would make the states more loyal to the U.S. government.

Hamilton’s Plan U.S. Government should take over state debts Create a Bank of the United States to keep the nation’s money

State Arguments Most states agreed to repay other nations, but many did not want to pay off the war bonds purchased by citizens who had sold them for less than their value to speculators who hoped to get rich once they were repaid.

Southern States Oppose Many Southern states were opposed to this plan since they had already paid their debts back and thought the North were getting a free ride. To get support from the South, Hamilton proposed to move the new U.S. capitol to land between Virginia and Maryland. The was located in Philadelphia, where it would remain until the new capitol was ready.

The New Capitol The Southern States agree! In the South Washington, D.C. The Southern States agree!

Hamilton & the Bank of the U.S. Hamilton wanted to create the Bank of the United States to keep the nation’s money. It would be owned by the government and individuals.

Jefferson & Madison Oppose Jefferson and Madison said the bank was unconstitutional, but Hamilton got Washington to agree. Jefferson Madison Hamilton and Washingotn

Hamilton & the import Tax Hamilton also suggested a tariff on imported European goods to force Americans to buy American goods. He believed this would help support American industry.

Southern States Oppose The South opposed this since they did not have many factories and would just have to pay higher prices and not receive any benefits. However, they eventually agreed.

Taxes Finally, Hamilton got Congress to agree to creating taxes to help fund the U.S. government. Jefferson and Madison began to strongly oppose Hamilton’s ideas of a stronger U.S. government. They believed that the U.S. would become dominated be a few wealthy individuals instead of the people.

Early Challenges Section Two

Students will be able to: Determine the major issues both domestic and foreign that Washington had to deal with as our first president.

A) The Whiskey Rebellion

The “Whiskey Rebellion” 1794

The “Whiskey Rebellion”

The “Whiskey Rebellion”

B) Struggle Over the West

Conflicts with Native Americans

British Interference

“Battle of Fallen Timbers”

C) Problems with Europe

“French Revolution”

“French Revolution”

Britain and France at War

“Proclamation of Neutrality”

British “Impressing” U.S. Sailors

“Jay’s Treaty”

“Pinckney’s Treaty”

Washington’s Farewell

Setting another “Precedent”

Washington’s Advice U.S. should stay out of foreign affairs unless they directly impact the nation U.S. should never create political parties, it will divide the nation

Did we listen?

Did we listen?

The First Political Parties Section Three

Students will be able to: Examine the political differences that led to the creation of political parties within the new nation.

A) Opposing Views

“Federalists” (Alexander Hamilton)

“Democratic Republicans” (Thomas Jefferson)

“Federalists” (Alexander Hamilton / John Adams) Rule by the wealthy / educated Implied powers of Constitution British Alliance Strong U.S. government Emphasis on manufacturing National bank Restricted trade (strong tariffs)

“Democratic Republicans” (Thomas Jefferson / James Madison) Rule by the farmers / common man Strict interpretation of Constitution French Alliance Strong State Governments Emphasis on farming State Banks Open trade (low tariffs)

“Federalists” & “Republicans”

“Caucus”

Election of 1796

B) President John Adams

President John Adams

Trouble with France

Charles de Talleyrand

“XYZ Affair”

“Navy Department”

U.S. / French Relations Hurt

“Alien & Sedition Acts”

“Alien & Sedition Acts”

“Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions”

“States Rights = Nullify”

Election of 1800