1. APUSH Exam Review II The Constitution, Political Faction, and the Development of Sectionalism in U.S. History

2. What seeds of “sectionalism” were sown during the creation of the Constitution?
Regional economic demands
The role of the new Federal Government
The powers of the Executive Branch
The status of slavery
The nature of democracy

3. Voices of dissent: The Anti-Federalists
Why did the Anti-Feds fear the new Federal Government created by
the Constitution?
Long tradition of Anglo-Whig challenging of authority.
Large Republics make it difficult for democratic participation.
Free/democratic governments depend on citizen participation.
As written, the new Constitution protected economic elites, and would lead to class tensions.
Fears of a strong central government:
Federal Government had too much power at the expense of the states;
Too much power concentrated in the hands of the new Executive – esp.
C-in-C of a standing army and the lack of term limits.
Senate would become aristocratic
“Supremacy Clause” and “Necessary and Proper Clause” grant too much power to the Federal Government at the expense of state govts.
*Argued that the new Constitution invalidated the Revolution by exchanging
foreign for federal subjugation.

4. The Federalist Response
Federalist Fears:
Republics were vulnerable early on, before traditions and rituals became time-honored.
Economic instability under the Articles of Confederation would doom the young nation. (Economic Stability = Political Stability)
Democracy and the masses (mob) - Undemocratic nature of the Constitution.
Federalist arguments to assuage the concerns of the Anti-Feds?
The new Constitution would have the following features that would
prevent abuse/tyranny:
Separation of Powers (Legislative, Executive, Judicial)
Built in checks & balances
Power sharing between the federal and state government (Federalism)
*The most powerful Federalist arguments appear in the Federalist Papers.

5. Sectionalism in the Constitution:
North:
Wanted the Federal Govt to regulate interstate and foreign trade.
Wanted a tax on imports (tariffs) to protect American industry.
Generally favored policies that worked to create a stable environment for economic development.
South:
Slaves = property, and property was protected in the new Constitution.
Slaves were to be counted for apportionment purposes (Three-fifths Compromise)
Guarantee of continued slave trade for 20 years (1808).
No taxes on exports.

6. Political Faction: Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans LEADERS
Federalists: Alexander Hamilton John Adams
Republicans: Thomas Jefferson James Madison

7. Political Faction: Federalists vs
Political Faction: Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans VIEW OF THE CONSTITUTION & ROLE OF FEDERAL GOVT
Federalists:
Pro-Constitution
Strong central govt
Favor a loose interpretation of the Constitution
Govt by the “best people”
Republicans:
Many Anti-Federalists
Weary of strong federal govt, favor state govt
Strict interpretation of the Constitution
Fears seem to be justified with the Alien & Sedition Acts
Govt by well-informed agrarian masses

8. Political Faction: Federalists vs
Political Faction: Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans DOMESTIC POLICY
Federalists:
federal support for industry & business
support Hamilton’s financial plans – esp. National Bank & tariffs
favored the concentration of wealth in the interest of capitalistic enterprise
Republicans:
favored agricultural interests
Opposed special favors for business
opposed any further consolidation of power in the federal govt
favored state banks
considered tariffs to be a sectional advantage at the expense of agriculture (South)

9. Political Faction: Federalists vs
Political Faction: Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans MILITARY POLICY
Federalists:
Advocated a large peace-time military
Strong central govt with a strong Executive to enforce federal law
Republicans:
Fearful of a standing army with the President in command
Favored continued reliance on the militia system
*Concerns seem to be
warranted given
Washington’s response to
the Whiskey Rebellion.

10. Political Faction: Federalists vs
Political Faction: Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans FOREIGN POLICY
Federalists:
Pro-British (Anglophiles) sought compromise w/British
Proclamation of Neutrality (1793) (Anti-French, esp. during the French Revolution feared the excess and instability of democracy)
Jay Treaty (1794)
Quasi-War w/France (1798)
Republicans:
Pro-French (Francophiles)
Supported/Defended the French Revolution (1778 Rev War Treaty)
No compromise with the British – esp. over violations of American neutrality & Indian policy (Jay Treaty seen as evidence of Pro-British Federalist foreign policy)

11. Political Faction: Federalists vs
Political Faction: Federalists vs. Democratic Republicans POLITICAL CONSTITUANTS
Who tended to support the Federalists:
Northern business interests
Merchants
Large landowners
New England will become a Federalist stronghold
Who tended to support the Republicans:
Former Anti-Federalists
States’ Rights advocates
Skilled workers
Small farmers
Large planters

12. What factors were most responsible for the formation of political factions/parties?
Differing views on the Constitution and the role of the Federal Government.
Hamilton’s Financial Plans
American reaction to the French Revolution.