1. A Framework for Government

2. Key Features of the Constitution
The Great Compromise
2 Houses:
House of Representatives (based on population)
Senate (equal representation)
Three-Fifths Compromise
Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for both representation and tax purposes

3. Ratification Nine out of 13 states had to approve the Constitution
Federalists: supporters of the Constitution (Alexander Hamilton, James Madison)
Anti-Federalists: wanted to add a Bill of Rights to protect individual states’ rights (Thomas Jefferson)
The Federalist:
collection of 85 essays that summarized the arguments for immediate ratification
written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay

4. Arguments Anti-Federalists Arguments
Feared the gov’t would serve the interests of the rich. Doubted the central gov’t could run a large country. Big Issue: No bill of rights to protect the rights of the citizens
Leaders
Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams
Federalists
Divisions of powers, System of Checks and Balances to protect American citizens from the central government
George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison

5. The New Constitution Called For…
Popular Sovereignty: rule by the people
Federalism: power divided between federal (national) government and the states
Separation of Powers: power divided among 3 branches of government
Executive
Judicial
Legislative

6. It Also Called For…
Checks and Balances: each branch of government has the ability to limit the power of the other branches to prevent them from becoming too powerful
Executive: can veto legislation
Legislative: can override veto; can impeach president or member of judicial branch
Judicial: hear all cases under federal law and the constitution, must be approved by Legislative

7. George Washington
Elected as 1st President of the United States (unanimously)
Task = take the words of the Constitution and turn them into an effective U.S. government
Needed a cabinet to help with Presidential responsibilities
Thomas Jefferson: Sec. of State
Alexander Hamilton: Treasury Department
Henry Knox: Sec. of War

8. Financing the Government
Tariff of 1789: required importers to pay a percentage of the value of their cargo when they landed it in the U.S
Sold Bonds to pay for Revolutionary War
paper notes promising to repay money after a certain length of time with interest
Alexander Hamilton proposed the creation of a national bank so Congress could manage its debts and issue paper money
Bank of the United States established in 1791 for a 20 year period
Tariff angered Southern planters who would now be charged higher rates to ship their rice and tobacco to Europe
Alexander Hamilton wanted Congress to accept the debts of the Continental Congress at their full value – to make this money back, he proposed selling bonds
Hamilton also proposed the creation of a national bank so Congress could manage its debts and issue paper money that would promote trade, encourage investment and stimulate economic growth
In 1791, the Bank of the United States was established for a 20 year period

9. The Whiskey Rebellion
In 1791, Hamilton urged Congress to pass a tax on the manufacture of whiskey
The tax enraged farmers who often used whiskey to pay their debts
In 1794, rebellion erupted in western Pennsylvania
Farmers terrorized tax collectors, stopped court proceedings, robbed the mail and destroyed whiskey distilleries

10. The Whiskey Rebellion cont.
In August 1794, President Washington sent 15,000 troops to crush the Whiskey Rebellion
Significance: showed the power of the Federal government and the strength of Washington’s presidency

11. Washington’s Foreign Policy
Shortly after Washington’s inauguration, French Revolution began in France
War spread to Great Britain, who fought against the French
Americans were divided over how to react, but Washington stated that the United States would remain “friendly” and “impartial” towards both powers
= NON-INTERVENTION

12. Rise of Political Parties
Federalists
Led by Alexander Hamilton
Favored strong national government
Loose interpretation of the Constitution
Wanted to put power in hands of the wealthy
Democratic- Republicans
Led by Thomas Jefferson
Favored strong state governments
Strict interpretation of the Constitution
Power should be given to all landowners, regardless of wealth
Debate over Hamilton’s various financial programs split Congress into two parties.
One was led by Hamilton = Federalists
Other = Democratic-Republicans led by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson

13. Practice Question
What did the Whiskey Rebellion show about George Washington?
He lacked the ability to forge foreign alliances
He was a strong president who was willing to use federal troops when necessary
He could not efficiently govern a nation because he was not well-respected
He strongly believed that political parties should govern the nation

14. Practice Question 2. The three-fifths compromise sought to prevent
States with high slave populations from dominating the House of Representatives
The Senate from becoming too powerful within the bicameral system
The Constitution from ultimately being ratified
Antifederalists from winning the debate over federalism

15. Practice Question
3. Limited government, a system of checks and balances, a separation of the powers in government, and government based on the will of the people, form the foundation for
Northwest Ordinance
United States Constitution
Articles of Confederation
Declaration of Independence