Chapter 6

Different Interpretations of Republican Democracy Textbook: Belief that ultimate political authority comes from a nation’s citizens Educated elites (rich people) wanted everyone to make sacrifices to create a meritocracy resulting in a natural aristocracy Other elites wanted everyone to freely pursue their personal economic interests. The less-educated and radicals wanted an egalitarian approach that gave opportunities for all to participate.

Post-Revolution Changes to Education Northern states taxed residents to fund public schools Women had more opportunities for education

Slavery and the Revolution Northern states began gradual emancipation (ending slavery) during the Revolutionary period. Emancipation was resisted in the South Free black population increased in the North from escape and fighting during the Revolution, and being set free (particularly in Virginia where labor intensive tobacco decreased) Free blacks in the North faced discrimination and formed their own communities, schools, and churches. Racist ideas about biological black/African inferiority became more accepted in the South to justify how “All Men Were NOT Created Equal.” Eli Whitney’s cotton gin (1793) would shift worker demand from indentured servants/whites to almost exclusively African slaves in the South.

Provisions of Constitution Submitted to States in 1787 Present Absent Separation of powers = 3 branches Bicameral legislature Congress could tax, declare war, regulate interstate commerce Electoral College Federalism = state + federal power Elastic clause for Congress Checks and balances between branches Universal manhood suffrage Direct election of senators Two-term limits for presidents Political parties Presidential cabinet Bill of Rights

Constitution as Compromise Slavery -Constitution guaranteed its legality -3/5ths Compromise – slaves counted as 3/5ths a person for representation and taxation -No slave trade after 1808 Bill of Rights protected individual freedom in 10 Amendments; added to appease anti-federalists Connecticut Compromise (Great Compromise) – created the bicameral legislature by incorporating the Virginia and New Jersey Plans

Political Influence of French Revolution Most support the revolution in the early stages As the revolution grew more violent and anti-rich many in American stopped supporting it. The US’s most important trading partner was Britain. Democratic-Republicans (anti-federalists) strongly supported the French Revolution XYZ Affair – French agents and bribes took place with the Adams administration. The US declared neutrality, really favoring the British. The French began seizing US ships and a short conflict broke out.

Washington Presidency (1789-1797) Domestic Foreign National Bank (1791) – GW agreed with Hamilton’s loose interpretation of Constitution and chartered First Bank of US Whiskey Rebellion (1794) – Penn. backcountry farmers used violence to protest Hamilton’s excise tax; suppressed by militia signifying the power of federal govt. Neutrality Proclamation (1793) – While Gr. Brit. and France remained at war in Europe, GW pledged the US “friendly and impartial towards belligerent powers” Jay’s Treaty (1794) – Brit. evacuated NW forts and paid damages for seizing Am. ships but refused to stop seizures; kept peace and angered Pro-French Farewell Address (1796) – Warned against entangling alliances with foreign countries

America’s First Political Parties Federalists Democratic-Republicans Led by Alexander Hamilton and John Adams Supported by New England and eastern port cities Favored strong central govt./loose interpretation Supported national bank and protective tariffs Favored commercial interests Favored British > French Led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison Drew support from South and frontier farmers Favored weak central govt./strict interpretation Opposed national bank and protective tariffs Favored agricultural interests Favored French > British

Adams Presidency (1797-1801) Quasi-War with France - French seizures of Am. ships destroy alliance XYZ Affair – Unnamed Fr. diplomats demanded bribes to negotiate leading to calls for war Alien and Sedition Acts – Federalists punished pro-French Democratic-Republicans with laws deporting all “dangerous” aliens and making it illegal to criticize the govt. Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions – Jefferson and Madison opposed A&S Acts stating that they violated the First Am.; argued that states could nullify (refuse to follow) federal laws