The “After-War” Years

Judiciary Act of 1789 Supreme Court – 6 judges First Chief Justice – John Jay

George Washington Unanimously elected president in 1789

Cabinet Group of leaders appointed to help the president run the government

Washington’s Cabinet Secretary of War -- Henry Knox Secretary of the Treasury – Alexander Hamilton Secretary of State – Thomas Jefferson Attorney General – Edmond Randolph

First Two-Party System Federalists v. Republicans, 1780’s - 1801 Favored strong central government Loose interpretation of Constitution Encouraged commerce & manufacturing Strongest in Northeast Favored close ties with Britain Emphasized order & stability Republicans Emphasized states’ rights Strict interpretation of the Constitution Preferred agriculture & rural life Strongest in South & West Foreign policy sympathized with France Stressed civil liberties & trust in the people

Articles of Confederation

Powers of Continental Congress Declaring war Raising an army and navy Making treaties Borrowing money Establishing a postal system Conducting business with Native Americans and other countries

Weaknesses National government – weaker than state governments Continental Congress (Confederation Congress) – could make laws but not enforce them

Bill of Rights One of the first priorities facing the new government First ten amendments to the Constitution adopted in 1791 Provided safeguards for some of America’s most precious principles

“The West”

Population Growth 1780 – 1790 – Western population grew from 2,000 to 100,000

Land Ordinance of 1785 Provided a more orderly method for settling land north of the Ohio River.

Land Ordinance of 1785

Northwest Ordinance--1787 Made provisions for governing the new territory.

Northwest Territory

Northwest Ordinance No less than 3 & no more than 5 territories could be formed by Congress dividing the land

Northwest Ordinance Three requirements to become a state: Congress to appoint territorial governor & judges 5,000 voting residents – settlers write temporary constitution & elect government Population 60,000 – write state constitution—approved by Congress--statehood