Political Developments in the early republic A Web quest

Washington the First President In January of 1789, the electoral college made the only unanimous decision in the history of our county. They ALL chose to elect George Washington as the first president of the United States of America. Washington took the oath of office on April 30th, 1789. According to records, Washington was so nervous during his speech his hands shook. Washington along with his vice president, John Adams, had a lot to be nervous about. The first Congress was deeply divided. Some were eager to build a strong national government. Others still wanted to limit the power of government.

Setting Up the Executive Branch Washington and his congress had to create the different departments that would aide Washington. Congress approved three departments. A department of State was created to handle public relations with other countries. A department of war was created to defend the nation. The Treasury department was set up to oversee the nation’s fiancés. Congress also created an attorney general to be the President’s legal advisor and a post master general to head the post office. Washington chose men he trusted such as Jefferson, Hamilton and Knox to fill these positions. He often met with these men to ask their advice. These men were known as the President’s cabinet.

The Whiskey Rebellion The biggest factor facing George Washington as president was MONEY. The National treasury was empty. Congress had the power to raise taxes, but they new they had to be careful. After all, taxes were a large contributor to their previous war. Congress decide to place an excise tax on luxury goods and whiskey. An excise tax is a tax on the production or sale of a product. Many farmers who lived west of the Appalachian Mountains complained about the new tax saying that it made their whiskey too expensive. Several farmers refused to pay the tax.

Whiskey Rebellion Continued To end the protests, Congress lowered the excise tax in 1793. Some farmers, known as Whiskey Boys,” tarred and feathered tax collectors. Hamilton and Washington saw the Whiskey Rebellion as a threat to the national government. At Hamilton’s urging, Washington led 13,000 troops across the mountains to end the rebellion. Washington personally led the military. This was the first and last time in American history a president led an army into battle. By the time Washington’s troops arrived, most rebels had fled. There was not an actual battle. Many people were arrested, but all were later either pardoned or found not guilty.

Washington’s Farewell Address George Washington served for two terms before leaving office. As he was leaving office, he gave a farewell speech. Click on the link below to read the modern translation of his speech… Washington’s Speech http://www.nibleycitycouncil.com/farewell_address_today.html

Election of 1796 The election of 1796 began a new era in US politics. For the first time, more than one candidate ran for president. Political parties, groups that help elect people and shape policies, had begun to form during Washington’s presidency. Alexander Hamilton helped to found the Federalist Party. The federalist party wanted a strong national government and supported industry and trade. Federalists chose John Adams to put their support behind. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison found the Republican Party. Its members wanted to limit the federal government's powers. They chose Thomas Jefferson as their candidate.

Republicans versus Federalists Party differences were based partly on where and how people lived. Businesspeople in the cities tended to support the Federalists. Farmers in more isolated areas generally favored the Republicans. Republicans called Adams a royalist-an insult to a man involved in the Revolution. Federalists accused the Republicans of favoring the French. In the end, Adams defeated Jefferson. At the time the person who came in second place became the Vice president.

John Adams as President Under Adams presidency, congress passed four controversial laws. These laws were known as the Alien and Sedition Acts. The hidden purpose of the acts was to make life difficult for the Republicans. Three of the laws, the Alien Acts were targeted at aliens (noncitizens). The first increased the time it took for an immigrant to become citizen. It was increased from 5 to 14 years. Since most immigrants voted Republican, Jefferson saw this as attack on his party. The other two alien acts allowed the president to either jail or deport (expel) aliens who were suspected of stirring up trouble. Read the article on President Obama’s immigration action to compare the past http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/11/20/365519963/obama-will- announce-relief-for-up-to-5-million-immigrants

John Adams as President Continued The other act created by congress under Adam’s presidency was the Sedition Act. This act made encouraging rebellion against the government a crime. It’s definition of sedition included printing, writing or speaking in a scandalous or hateful way against the government. Hamilton approved the law thinking that it would only punish those who told vicious lies intending to destroy government. Instead the Sedition Acts were used to punish Republican newspapers who insulted Adams.

Election of 1800 At the point for reelection in 1800, the country did not approve of Adams. When the electoral college voted it was clear that the Federalist party was going to lose. Thomas Jefferson won the Election of 1800, but only after a series of voting ties between himself and Burr. Because of the tie, the twelfth amendment was added to the constitution. The election of 1800 was known as the peaceful revolution. It was a victory for the Republican party and the new Constitution. In other countries, power changed hands by means of war or revolution. In the United States, power had passed from one group to another without a single shot being fired.