How do you set up a new government for a nation with such diverse interests and concerns? How does the new government gain the trust of the people?

The Presidents #1 George Washington

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 precedents (examples) 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

From the textbook Judiciary Act of 1789 The Constitution included Article III on the Judiciary, but did not have many details. Washington and Congress made this law that established the Supreme Court and federal courts

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

Whiskey Rebellion To pay off the national debt, Hamilton pushes Congress to pass a protective tariff and an excise tax on whiskey. Pennsylvania farmers rebel, Washington and a militia put down the rebellion and show that the new government is ready to enforce the laws.

Divisions in the new nation Hamilton v. Jefferson Hamilton believed in… a strong central government led by wealthy, educated elite Loose interpretation of the Constitution that would allow him to set up the controversial Bank of the United States Hamilton wants to pay off nation’s debt, including state debts, which accumulated from Rev. War. To win support for the debt plan from the southern states, Hamilton proposes a plan to move capital to south in District of Columbia

Jefferson believed in… Limited national government Strict interpretation of the constitution, no national bank A society of farmer-citizens, “plain people”

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

A 2 party political system forms The Federalists v. the Democratic- Republicans

Foreign Policy In 1789, the French Revolution begins By 1793, the Revolution has grown radical and war spreads throughout 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)

#2 John Adams From the dvd The Presidents 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

Which incident and act of legislation defined the Adams presidency? XYZ Affair Alien and Sedition Acts Adams is considered the father of the navy. The election of 1800 is significant because it was the first time that political power shifted from one political party to another

1796 Election Federalist John Adams becomes president Democratic-Republican Thomas Jefferson becomes vice-president 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

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.

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!

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 Who gets rid of unconstitutional laws? Supreme Court since 1803 and Marbury v. Madison

George Washington dies in Napoleon is France’s new leader and he wants to renew the friendship between the U.S. and France.

#3 Thomas Jefferson From dvd The election of 1800 is significant because it was the first time that political power shifted from one political party to another. Believed the federalists put too much power in federal gov’t

Jefferson had a major dilemma when the Louisiana Territory presents itself for sale wondering if… Was the purchase constitutional? Remember, Jefferson was a strict constructionist (strictly interpreting Constitution). Was the expedition of Lewis and Clark to explore the new territory constitutional? More fighting between the European nations of England and France caused more trouble for this administration too.

From the textbook Jefferson tried to make peace with both political parties saying he would wage a “peaceful revolution” between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. Jefferson wanted to simplify the gov’t and cut costs. He favored free trade instead of gov’t controlled trade and tariffs.

Marbury v. Madison 1803 Supreme Court established judicial review – the ability of the Supreme Court to declare an act of Congress unconstitutional

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.