Goals: What actions did Washington take to set a precedent for all presidents to follow? How did the new government react to dissent?

Constitution in effect From the time of our first Presidents, an unwritten constitution developed in response to changing times. Lead to: Executive actions Congressional actions. Court Decisions (Judicial Review) Customs, traditions Actions of Political Parties.

I. Executive Actions Since George Washington, presidents sought advice from their cabinet. (heads of departments) These cabinet members advise the president. (Sec. Of Defense, Sec. Of State. Etc…) The president can appoint these members without Senate approval.

Alexander Hamilton: George Washington’s secretary of treasury. Wanted the national government to pay for the debt run up by the American Revolution. Wanted Congress to create a national bank, which would deal with all the governments money. Purposed that the government raise revenue through an excise tax on Whiskey. (tax upon purchase) Purposed a protective tariff which would protect American manufactured goods.

Questions: Hamilton used the “necessary & proper” clause to justify creating the national bank. “Congress shall have the power to make all laws necessary & proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers vested by this Constitution…” *Was Hamilton justified in using this clause to create a national bank?

Whiskey Rebellion 1794, Pennsylvania farmers protested & refused to pay tax on the whiskey they made from their grain. Washington called out the state militia & put down this rebellion. Not really a big deal, but proves that the new federal government would do everything it can to enforce the law.

Foreign Policy during the Federalist Era Washington wanted to keep the U.S. out of the French Rev. and European wars to follow. Proclamation of Neutrality 1793- Washington warned the US of political alliances. He urged the country to remain neutral when dealing with foreign affairs.

“It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world…” Washington’s Farwell Address (1796) *Why would geography make it possible for the U.S. to follow Washington’s policy of neutrality?

Two Term Presidency After serving two terms (8 years), Washington refused a 3rd. He set a tradition which would not be broken until FDR (1945) who died in his 4th term. After FDR, the 22nd Amendment would create a two-term limit on the presidency.

Strict v. Loose Construction Hamilton’s proposal for a national bank sparked the first debate between “loose” & “strict” constructionists. “strict” constructionists- govt. can only do those things that the Const. Specifically says. “loose” constructionists- freer reading of the Const. Which gives the govt. more room to act.

Louisiana Purchase 1803, Jefferson had the chance to double the size of the nation by purchasing the Louisiana Territory from France. People questioned whether or not it was a power given to the president to purchase land. Jefferson would purchase the territory, which gave us more land and control of the Mississippi River.

Foreign Policy 1800-1823 Events in Europe influenced domestic & foreign policy. Presidents maintained neutrality. The distance from Europe made it easy to stay out of their affairs. Right to trade with European countries remained a major concern.

War of 1812 Britain & France remained at war. Britain seized American ships at sea and forced them to fight for the British. Congress passed the Embargo Act-law which prevented any trade with European nations. (attempting to punish Britain) Britain remained unaffected by the embargo.

In 1812, Congress declared war on Britain. Many western and southern Americans wanted to expand into British Canada and Spanish Florida. (War Hawks) In 1812, Congress declared war on Britain. Was not supported by all Americans. Results: Reinforced the policy of neutrality. Native Americans lost their ally, Britain and got pushed further west. Amer. Manufacturing began to grow. Federalists faded away because of their opposition to the war. “The Star Spangled Banner” was inspired by the bombarding of Fort McHenry.

Monroe Doctrine John Quincy Adams, President Monroe’s sec of state, settled border disputes with Canada and acquired Florida from Spain. Doctrine called for: End to European colonization in the Western Hemisphere. No intervention by Europe in existing nations in this hemisphere. Any action taken by Europe in this hemisphere was “dangerous to our peace and safety”.

II. Congressional Actions The Congress began a custom of assigning bills to committees. Committees review all bills before sending them for discussion in the House or Senate. They can also investigate, gathering info to decide if laws are needed or if laws are working.

Lobbying Actions by people representing special-interest groups for the purpose of influencing legislation. Protected by the first amendment right to petition. Ex: Environmental Conservationist donating $ to help elect someone who will work to help stop deforestation.

III. Judicial Actions The Marshall Court- Power of the Judicial branch was strengthened during the period in which John Marshall served as chief justice. McCulloch v Maryland- upheld the creation of the Second Bank of the U.S. Gibbons v. Ogden- expanded the powers of the national govt. over commerce. Marbury v. Madison- established the right to judicial review and power to rule on constitutionality of law.

Political Parties Developed through custom & tradition. It evolved through the Federalists v. Anti-Federalists debate on whether or not to ratify the Constitution. People would have differences of opinion. Their differences led to the development of the first two political parties- the Federalists & the Democratic-Republicans.

The First Political Parties Federalists Led by A. Hamilton Wealthy, well educated should lead the nation. Strong Central Govt. Emphasis on manufacturing, shipping, trade. Loose interpretation of Constitution. Favored national bank and protective tariff Democratic/ Republicans Led by T. Jefferson People should have political power. Strong state govt. Emphasis on Agriculture Strict interpretation of Constitution. Opposed national bank and protective tariff

Reacting to Dissent Alien and Sedition Acts: Designed to strengthen the Federalist and weaken their Republican opponents. The Alien Act made it difficult to become a citizen. The Sedition Act made it easier to arrest a person for criticizing government. *immigrants would most likely align with Republicans and Federalists didn’t like that.

For the Regents: How was the Monroe Doctrine influenced by each of the following? Geography Isolationism & neutrality U.S. national interests. Concerns for the new Latin American republics.