The Early Republic -- Precedents

Essential Questions 1.How does setting precedents influence the office of the president? 2.What major arguments and discussions occurred concerning the role of the new federal government?

Precedent The first to set an example for the future. Photograph by NASA

“No slip will past unnoticed.” -- George Washington

Washington’s Cabinet Showed precedence by choosing well known leaders to be his advisors. Congress created three departments & two cabinet rank officials. The heads of these departments made up the cabinet. Today: There are 15 departments and 6 cabinet rank officials.

Secretary of Treasury Department in charge of the economy Believed in a strong national government Alexander Hamilton

Secretary of State Deals with relationships with foreign countries. Believed in strong state governments Thomas Jefferson

Secretary of War Department in charge of the military Believed in a strong national government. Henry Knox

Attorney General In charge of enforcement & prosecution of laws. Tried to stay neutral in debates between Hamilton and Jefferson. Edmund Randolph

Postmaster General Create and maintain roads and delivery of letters. Samuel Osgood

Judiciary Act of 1789 Constitution created a Judicial branch, but left the details up to Congress. Federal Court system with 13 districts State laws remain Federal court decisions superior to state courts -- Supreme Court has the final decision Chief Justice John Jay

The Bill of Rights Written by James Madison There were 12; only 10 were ratified by the states. Ratified in st Amendment: Individual Liberties Amendments 2-4: Abuse of Power Amendments 5-8: Due Process – rights of the accused Amendments 9-10: Protects rights not listed

Money Problems: Alexander Hamilton wanted to use the national government to help the American economy grow strong. Hamilton wanted America to move from an agricultural economy to become an industrial nation.

Alexander Hamilton’s Plan 1.The National Government will buy the debt of the states & pay off war bonds at full price. 2.Create the Bank of the United States. 3.Pass a tariff on imported goods. Pay State Debts National Bank Tariff on imports

Arguments against Hamilton’s Plan 1. Southern states had less debt than the other states. 2.Speculators would make money off of bonds. 3.Bank of the United States was unconstitutional. 4. Tariffs would make things more expensive in the South.

Compromise Southern states agreed to Alexander Hamilton’s plan, if the capital was moved to a southern state. The new capital would be between Maryland and Virginia in an area to be called the District of Columbia. It is not within the borders of any state. (Today – Washington D.C.)

Is the National Bank constitutional???? “loose construction” The Constitution is flexible: The “elastic clause” allowed Congress powers when it is “necessary and proper” Alexander Hamilton “strict construction” The Constitution can only be changed by amendment: The Constitution only has the powers specifically listed in the document. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison

Whiskey Rebellion Tax on alcohol made in the U.S. Many western farmers would make alcohol from corn and use this as a product to trade. Compared tax to those of British Parliament Protested and refused to pay taxes. They also tarred and feathered tax collectors

Washington’s Response When protests became violent, Washington ordered the militia to Pennsylvania. 1.Washington showed the strength of the government with this action. 2.Washington pardoned leaders to show mercy.