The Presidents #1 George Washington I can determine the meaning of the word PRECEDENT through examples set by GW

President Washington Video President Washington Video 537LE4c President Washington Video

From the dvd, “The Presidents” As a result of the election of 1789, George Washington was unanimously chosen to be the first president, and John Adams becomes Vice President.

From dvd “The Presidents” Presidential precedent (Example, Model) Washington’s first precedent was that he added “so help me God” to the oath of office He also asked to be called Mr. President Another important precedent was that he left office after two terms

Washington’s Acts and Precedencies Judiciary Act of 1789 Federal Courts would hear cases involving Constitutional issues: illegal search and seizure, freedom of Speech, cruel and unusual punishment Appeal to US Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Judiciary Act of 1789 US Supreme Court US Circuit Court Appeals US District Courts – 13 Courts Can choose not to hear Case! Judge makes the decision Jury decides Case

The Unwritten Constitution The operation of the U.S. Government today is based on many precedents,customs, traditions and practices that were not written into the Constitution. Cabinet Political Parties Lobbying Unwritten Committee System Judicial Review

1. The First Cabinet - The Constitution gave the President the power to appoint people to assist him. Article II, Section II. Secretary of State Jefferson Secretary of War Henry Knox Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton Secretary of Justice Edmond Randolph

To the Executive Branch Washington added… 3 executive departments or advisers known as the Cabinet. Thomas Jefferson – Secretary of State Alexander Hamilton – Secretary of the Treasury Henry Knox – Secretary of War Edmund Randolph was the attorney general or chief lawyer of the federal government

2. Political Parties An organized group that seeks to control by running candidates to win elections, and influence policy.

4. Lobbying Pressure groups and outside influences that attempt to influence legislation, or urge legislators to pass certain laws.

5. Committee System Committees help Congress select the most important bills from the thousands proposed yearly. They hold hearings to discuss, evaluate and approve bills.

Whiskey Rebellion To pay off the national debt, Hamilton pushes Congress to pass a PROTECTIVE TARIFF- (tax on imports) and an EXCISE TAX on whiskey. Pennsylvania farmers rebel, Washington and a militia put down the rebellion and showed that the new government was ready to enforce the laws.

Results Hamilton convinces President Washington and Congress that because of the ELASTIC CLAUSE, “necessary and proper” clause, the bank is constitutional The Bank of the United States is established to issue paper money and handle government debt Construction on a new capital building in Washington D.C. (old one was in NYC) begins

A Nation Divided A Two (2) Party Political System forms Two opposing IDEOLOGIES-beliefs, ideas or perspectives. The FEDERALIST V. DEMOCRATIC- REPUBLICAN

The Federalist Democratic Republicans VS VS -Alexander Hamilton -Thomas Jefferson -Strong Central Gov’t -State Rights- -Loose Interpretation-Strict Interpretation of the Constitution of the Constitution -National Bank needed-No National Bank -Elitist – Wealthy and-Egalitarian-farmer educated should rule citizens- equal access

Foreign Policy In 1789, the French Revolution begins By 1793, the Revolution has grown radical & war spreads across Europe. Some Americans want to support the French, and some want to support the British. In 1793, Washington issues a Proclamation of Neutrality saying that the U.S. will stay out of European affairs 1795 Pinckney’s Treaty gives U.S. any Spanish land claims east of Mississippi R. (except Florida) and use of Mississippi R. and port of New Orleans Jay’s Treaty avoided a war with British, but many Americans unhappy with terms.

Washington bids farewell… Goodbye G.W! In his farewell address Washington warns the nation: to “steer clear of permanent alliances” with other nations Against “spirit of the party” (political parties)

1796 Election from textbook R p.194, B p. 180 Federalist John Adams becomes President Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson becomes VP Almost all of the electors from the southern states voted for Jefferson and the northern electors voted for Adams This showed SECTIONALISM – placing the interests of region ahead of the whole nation- pride in ones region,

I Can…… Examine the differences between Jefferson and Hamilton and be able to explain how these differences may have impacted our new nation.

2 nd President - John Adams List his experiences prior to being president. 1. Signer of the Declaration of Independence 2. Member of the Continental Congress 3. Minister to France and England 4. 1 st Vice President From the dvd, “The Presidents”

Which incident and act of legislation defined the Adams presidency? XYZ Affair- French disrespect and bribery Alien and Sedition Acts-restricted rights of citizens Adams is considered the father of the navy.

More trouble with England and France… France doesn’t like Jay’s Treaty with Britain and Adams sends diplomats there to try to avoid war. They are met by officials known as X, Y, and Z who demand a bribe to see Talleyrand. War never happened, but Americans were outraged over the XYZ Affair. over the XYZ Affair.

The Alien and Sedition Acts Many people continued to criticize the government, so Adams pushed through a series of laws that made it harder to become a citizen or criticize the government. Why were people against these laws? Violation of the 1 st Amendment!

Democratic Republicans Respond Jefferson and Madison counter with the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions saying that states could nullify a federal law that is unconstitutional. Can states do this? NO What body can rule laws unconstitutional? Supreme Court since 1803 and Marbury v. Madison

Midnight Judges Read the case of Marbury v. Madison Adams tries to expand the power of the Central Government. Adams signs and seals the appointment of a number of new judges as his last act before Jefferson takes office. William Marbury’s appointment, as a new judge, is never delivered. Jefferson refuses to accept appoints made by Adams.

3 rd President Thomas Jefferson

Problems faced by Jefferson Jefferson had a major dilemma when the Louisiana Territory presents itself for sale wondering if… Was the purchase constitutional? Remember, Jefferson strictly interprets Constitution. Was the expedition of Lewis and Clark to explore the new territory constitutional? More fighting between England and France caused more trouble for this administration too.

Marbury v. Madison 1803 from the Textbook Supreme Court established judicial review – the ability of the Supreme Court to declare an act of congress unconstitutional Judiciary Act of unconstitutional Marbury does not get his appointment due to this ruling.

The Louisiana Purchase 1803 The Louisiana Territory is for sale by the French. For $15 million, Jefferson can double the size of the U.S. but why is he unsure about it? He is a strict constructionist and is unsure if the Constitution gives the gov’t power to acquire new territory. Does he buy it? YES! Lewis and Clark explore the new territory with Sacajawea for 2 years and 4 months.

Jefferson is reelected in 1804 The British and French are fighting again, and our ships are caught in the middle. We are especially angry at the British because of their policy of IMPRESSMENT – which seized American sailors at sea and drafted them into the British navy. Jefferson convinces Congress to pass the Embargo Act of 1807 to stop exporting products to other countries. It hurts us more than it hurts them and is lifted in 1809.

As American settlers push west… Native American tribes are divided on how to deal with intruding white settlers. Some tribes are persuaded to sign and sell away their land to the gov’t. Tecumseh pushes for a Confederacy, or united Native American nation. William Henry Harrison attacks Shawnee (tribe of Tecumseh) capital and discovers they are using arms from British Canada. Senators like Clay and Calhoun who push for war against the British are called war hawks.