10th Grade United States History Unit 8: “A Strong Start for America” Note Packet 8-1 Washington Hamilton Jefferson

Unit 8: “A Strong Start for America”—NP 8-1 Following the celebrations after the inauguration of President Washington and after the V.P. and Congress had taken their oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution, these men had the daunting task of organizing the new government and making it work. Guiding them in this process was the greatest written government ever produced—the Constitution of the United States. Challenges did lay ahead…

Unit 8: “A Strong Start for America”—NP 8-1 The new federal government of the United States was faced with 4 primary problems at its beginning: No federal laws No courts Serious financial problems No federal treasury and no method for collecting taxes American people had little money Large war debt Difficulties in foreign relations Washington had to work out a foreign policy that Congress would back. He had to appoint ambassadors and instruct them in their duties. If problems did arise, the President had little military strength to call upon—the Navy used in the Revolution had been decommissioned and the Army consisted of only about 600 officers and enlisted men. With debates already heating up over what the proper role of government should be (strict vs. loose), starting from the ground up would not be a simple process.

Unit 8: “A Strong Start for America”—NP 8-1 As one of its first and most important measures, the 1st Congress adopted the Judiciary Act of 1789. Provided for a Chief Justice and 5 Associate Justices of the Supreme Court. John Jay was appointed the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. This act also established 13 district courts and 3 circuit courts.

Unit 8: “A Strong Start for America”—NP 8-1 The most urgent problem facing the new government was that of raising money. To solve this problem, Congress turned to the Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, who achieved 4 main accomplishments: The federal government repaid the debts of the states and the nation inherited during the Revolutionary War. A protective tariff was levied to protect American manufacturers from European competitors. Tariff (def): A tax placed on imports (goods coming into the country). The Bank of the United States (B.U.S.) was created to hold government money and to help pay bills. Congress passed an excise tax on distilled liquors.

Unit 8: “A Strong Start for America”—NP 8-1 Excise tax (def): A tax placed on goods produced within the country where they are used. Corn was the most important crop of frontier farmers, as it was distilled into whiskey– the most important source of cash for these farmers. Corn farmers refused to pay the excise tax on whiskey, resulting in the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794. Excise vs. Protective Tariff Hamilton knew that this tax on whiskey would not raise much revenue and that it would hit the frontier farmers hard. So why would he do it? To demonstrate the power of the federal government. 1790s—Frontier was very isolated and most frontier farmers were unable to get their corn to market in settled areas (Whiskey was easier to transport) The rebellion was put down when 15,000 militia—led by PRESIDENT WASHINGTON—confronted the rebel farmers. No lives were lost, but the federal government had demonstrated its strength. Compare to Shay’s Rebellion

Unit 8: “A Strong Start for America”—NP 8-1 Hamilton’s controversial financial program led to 3 main results: By paying off its debts, the new government showed that it was powerful enough to meet its obligations. The banking system provided a sound, uniform currency. The excise tax placed on whiskey demonstrated the power of the federal government and extended its influence to the frontier. On back of note packet: How did Alexander Hamilton’s actions as Secretary of the Treasury reflect his position as a Federalist? The debate over the power and scope of the federal government created a divide in Washington’s cabinet and the nation.