Unit 3: Republic & Identity Lesson 3.1: Washington & Congress

Essential Question How do the ideas of a “republic” help to shape American identity in the 18th and 19th centuries?

Setting the Stage President Washington and the First Congress had to decide how to make the new government function effectively. The conflicting philosophies of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton became the basis for two new political parties.

Creating a New Government Washington’s task, and the task of Congress, was to turn the words of the Constitution into effective government. In 1789 Congress created: Department of State = Thomas Jefferson Department of Treasury = Alexander Hamilton Department of War = Henry Knox The office of the Attorney General = Edmund Randolph

These men became to be known as the cabinet, a group of advisors to the president. Washington met regularly with his cabinet…setting a precedent for future presidents! Congress also passed the Judiciary Act of 1789 which established 13 district courts, 3 Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.

The Court System Under Article III of the U.S. Constitution, Congress was authorized to set up a Federal Court System headed by the Supreme Court. However, it did not go in depth with details. Congress also passed the Judiciary Act of 1789 which allowed them to establish judiciary courts as need. Section 25 of the Judiciary Act established 13 district courts, 3 Courts of Appeal, and the Supreme Court.

Financing the Government A government must have money to operate! James Madison’s plan = Tariff of 1789 = angered southerners (the beginning of a lot of hate). Madison suggested that the way to raise money was to tax imports. Importers would be required to pay a percentage of the value of their cargo when it arrived on U.S. soil, as well as paying tonnage. This angered southern planters because it charged them higher rates to ship their goods to Europe.

Hamilton believed the government must be able to borrow money and tax= creditors, bankers, and merchants would have a stake in success of government= North prospers again Debate raged between the north and south and led to a compromise: Hamilton’s plan passes, while the U.S. capital moves from New York City to District of Columbia in south.

Assessment Prompt 1 1) How did Washington set a precedent in regard to working with his Cabinet? 2) Why does Hamilton believe the government must be able to borrow money?

The Bank of the United States Hamilton argued the need for a national bank to manage the debts and interest payments of the government. The bank would issue paper money. This would create a national currency that would promote trade, encourage investment, and stimulate economic growth. Washington realized his decision regarding the bank would set another precedent. WAS IT CONSTITUTIONAL?

Hamilton argued the “necessary and proper” clause of U. S Hamilton argued the “necessary and proper” clause of U.S. Constitution leads to implied powers (loose interpretation). Implied powers are powers that are not listed in the Constitution but are necessary for the government to do its job. Jefferson argued for enumerated powers = if its not stated, you cant do it! (Strict interpretation)

Assessment Prompt 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN2QVW1Wh84 Explain the difference of opinion between Hamilton and Jefferson regarding the National Bank in one sentence.

The Rise of Political Parties The nations first political parties would develop over differing views on the role of government. Hamilton and Federalists advocated for a strong national government. Democracy dangerous, power should be in hands of wealthy elite Manufacturing and trade at basis of national wealth and power Jefferson and the (Democratic) Republicans believed: Strength of nation based on farmers (agrarianism) All about rights of ordinary people, distrusted wealthy

Democratic-Republican Federalist Led by Hamilton Strong central government “rich, well-born, able” Loose-interpretation (implied powers) Favored national bank Created policies that favored manufacturing and trade Large farmers, merchants, artisans Democratic-Republican Led by Jefferson Strong state governments Land-owners/farmers Strict interpretation (enumerated powers) Opposed national bank Created policies favoring agriculture Small farmers

The Whiskey Rebellion Hamilton also believed the federal government must impose direct taxes. In 1791, Congress imposed a tax on whiskey = enraged western farmers. Whiskey rebellion erupts in western Pennsylvania in 1794. They terrorized tax collectors, stopped courts, and robbed the mail. Washington sends in 15,000 federal troops to crush rebellion = another example set

Foreign Affairs during Washington’s Presidency Shortly after Washington’s inauguration, the French Revolution erupted in 1789. By 1793, a group of French radicals had seized power. They stripped aristocrats of their property and executed thousands, including the King and Queen of France. Many Federalists were opposed to the revolutionaries because of the violence and chaos they had caused. Republicans, however, supported the revolutionaries because they se3emed to be fighting for liberty. Washington decided to declare the U.S. neutral in order to avoid a war with either France or Great Britain.

The Miami Confederacy was a collection of Native American tribes in 18th century America (found typically in Indiana). These tribes found support in the British. During the Battle of Fallen Timbers the British and Native Americans fought for control of land north of the Ohio river. This was a decisive American victory which resulted in the Treaty of Greenville. Signed in 1795, the Treaty of Greenville stated that 12 Native American nations gave up part of southern Ohio and Indiana in exchange from a yearly $10000 payment from the government

Despite Washington’s declaration of neutrality, Britain began interception all neutral ships bound for France and inciting Native Americans to attack western settlers. In order to avoid war, Washington sent John Jay to Britain to seek a solution. Jay’s Treaty stated that Britain had the right to seize cargoes for French ports, Britain agreed to submit issues to international arbitration (hearings by neutral third countries, and that Britain gave up its forts in American territory for most favored nation status.

Jay’s Treaty stated that: Britain had the right to seize cargoes bound for French ports Britain agreed to submit issues to international arbitration (hearings by neutral third countries Britain gave up its forts in American territory for most favored nation status. America was given limited trade rights to British colonies in the Caribbean. Although Republican accused the Federalists of being pro-British and for agreeing to the terms of this treaty, it was ratified and passed, protecting the fragile American economy.

Pinckney’s Treaty 1. Established the southern boundary of the U.S. along the 31st parallel. 2. Established the western boundary along the Spanish colony of Louisiana. 3. Both countries agreed not to incite Native Americans in order to maintain favorable trade relations. 4. Both countries agreed to protect vessels of the other country while within their own jurisdictions.

Delivered on September 17, 1796, Washington’s “A Letter to the American People” warned Americans against sectionalism, political parties, and the dangers of becoming too attached to any foreign nation. It also let people know he would not be running for a third term as President and set another precedent (two terms).