The Federalist Era Mr. Webster’s Class

Vocabulary precedent – something done or said that becomes an example for others to follow cabinet – a group of advisers to a president partisan – firmly favoring one party or faction alien – a person living in a country who is not a citizen of that country sedition – activities aimed at weakening the established government by inciting resistance or rebellion to authority nullify – to legally overturn states’ rights – the idea that states should have all powers that the Constitution does not give to the federal government or forbid to the states

The First Presidential Election No political parties existed at the time of the 1788/89 election. Candidates were either Federalists or Anti-Federalists. Both groups were united in supporting Washington for the presidency. Washington was enormously popular and was unanimously elected.

The First President of the United States George Washington became the first president of the United States on April 30, 1789. He was inaugurated in New York City, the nation’s first capital. His vice president was John Adams. Washington set the standard for how long a president should serve and for how the nation should relate to other nations. George Washington Clip Martha Washington Clip

The Cabinet In the summer of 1789, Washington chose leading political figures to help form his cabinet. Washington’s cabinet had many important duties, and they gave advice to the president. He appointed: Thomas Jefferson – Secretary of State Alexander Hamilton – Secretary of the Treasury Henry Knox – Secretary of War Edmund Randolph – Attorney General

The Court System The Judiciary Act of 1789 established a federal court system, which marked a first step in creating a strong national judicial system. The states kept their own laws and courts, but the federal courts had the power to reverse state decisions. President Washington chose John Jay to lead the Supreme Court as first chief justice.

The Bill of Rights In December 1791, the first ten amendments were made to the Constitution. They are known as the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights limited the power of government and protects individual liberties. The Tenth Amendment says that any power not listed in the Constitution belongs to the states or the people.

The Economy of the New Nation As a result of the American Revolution, the new nation owed millions of dollars to other countries and to American citizens. Alexander Hamilton proposed that the federal government take over and pay off the states’ wartime debts. He argued this would build national credit and make it easier for the nation to borrow money.

National Bank Hamilton also asked Congress to create a national bank to hold government funds and make debt payments. The national bank would also issue a single form of money for use throughout the nation. Some opposed this idea, citing the Constitution did not grant Congress the power to create a bank. Washington sided with Hamilton however, and Congress created the national bank.

A New Capital The Residence Act of 1790 specified that a special district be laid out between Virginia and Maryland on the banks of the Potomac River. The act gave Washington the authority to decide the exact location. The result was Washington, D.C.

Whiskey Rebellion In 1791, Congress passed a tax on the manufacture and sale of whiskey. Western Pennsylvania farmers were especially upset by this tax. In July 1794, the Whiskey Rebellion occurred when an armed mob attacked tax collectors and burned down buildings. Washington sent federal troops to meet the challenge, and his action made it clear that the new government would use force to maintain order.

Washington Struggles to Stay Neutral In 1793, Britain and France went to war. Many Americans wanted the United States to take sides. Washington wanted the United States to stay neutral. After the British captured American ships that traded with the French, Washington sent John Jay to discuss a solution. The result was Jay’s Treaty. Jay’s Treaty helped both the British and Americans achieve many objectives, although few Americans approved of the treaty.

Washington Leaves Office After two terms in office, Washington decided not to seek a third term as president. In his farewell address, Washington warned about something he saw as a growing threat to the young nation: political parties.

Political Parties Emerge By 1796, the nation’s first political parties were beginning to form. The Federalists were led by Alexander Hamilton, and they favored a strong national government. They believed the Constitution gave the government “implied powers.” The Democratic-Republicans were led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. They rejected the idea of implied powers.

Election of 1796 John Adams was the Federalist candidate, and Thomas Jefferson was the Democratic-Republican candidate. Under the rules of the Constitution at that time, the person with the second- highest electoral vote became vice president. John Adams won the election of 1796 and became the 2nd President of the United States. Jefferson became vice president.

John Adams Before becoming president, John Adams was well-known as one of Massachusetts’s most active patriots before and during the Revolutionary War. John Adams served two terms as vice president before becoming president. His presidency was troubled, and is most known for the XYZ Affair and the Alien and Sedition Acts. John Adams Clip Abigail Adams Clip

The XYZ Affair In 1797, Adams sent a team to Paris to resolve a dispute. French officials chose not to meet with the Americans, and instead, they sent three French agents, who demanded a bribe and a loan. The Americans refused. When Adams learned what happened, he was furious. The president urged Congress to prepare for war. In his report to Congress, Adams used the letters X,Y, and Z in place of the French agents’ names. As a result, the event came to be called the XYZ affair.

Alien and Sedition Acts After the XYZ Affair, many Americans became suspicious of aliens, or residents who were not citizens. In response, the Alien and Sedition Acts was passed in 1798. The Alien and Sedition Acts allowed the president to imprison aliens, and it also allowed him to deport those thought to be dangerous. Though controversial, Adams was a strong supporter of the laws.

A New Capital Washington, D.C. officially became the capital of the United States in November 1800. John Adams was the first president to occupy the White House. The Organic Act of 1801 placed the District of Columbia under the control of the U.S. Congress.