1. From Constitution to Political Revolution
Creation of New Nation
From Constitution to
Political Revolution

2. The Beginnings of Foreign Policy
Public opinion divided over French Revolution, when violence occurred and war broke out with Britain.
Though neutrality was favored, Hamilton favored closer ties with Britain while Jefferson feared them.
Washington issued a neutrality proclamation that outraged Jefferson’s supporters.
Refer to photo of Liberty coin, p. 217.

3. Hamilton’s Financial Recovery Plan
Plan: Consolidate all state debts to federal debts
2 ways to pay off these debts:
1789: Tariff (tax) on all imported goods
1791: Tax on whiskey
Many opposed this plan
Thought it was interference by federal government in local/state plans or affairs

4. Domestic Crisis
By 1794, the government faced a crisis over western policy.
Western farmers were refusing to pay the whiskey tax.
An army sent into western Pennsylvania ended the Whiskey Rebellion.
Showed that federal government would and could enforce laws they implement
Refer to photo of General George Washington reviewing the Western Army, p. 222.

5. Washington’s Farewell Address
In his farewell address, Washington warned Americans:
not to get involved in European Affairs
no permanent alliances
not to form political parties
to avoid sectionalism

6. The Adams Presidency
Relations with France deteriorated after Jay’s Treaty
When France began seizing American shipping, the nation was on the brink of war. The XYZ Affair made Adams’s popularity soar.

7. Rise of Political Parties
Political Party:
Group of people who seek to win elections and hold public office in order to control government policy and programs
1. Jeffersonian Republicans (Democratic-Republicans)
2. Federalists

8. Jefferson’s views Favored strict constructionist view of constitution
Believed if the constitution doesn’t say specifically that you should do something then you should not proceed

9. Hamilton’s views Favored loose constructionist view of constitution
Believed that constitution was loose framework of laws that federal government could build upon as they seem fit.

10. The Alien and Sedition Acts
The Federalists pushed through these acts that:
severely limited freedoms of speech and the press
threatened the liberty of foreigners
Republicans organized as an opposition party
Federalists saw opposition to the administration as opposition to the state
Jefferson and Madison drafted the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions that threatened to nullify the Alien and Sedition Acts
Refer to photo of Congressional Pugilists, p. 225.

11. The Revolution of 1800 Adams bid for re-election was weakened by:
Hamilton’s dispute with Adams
Federalists becoming identified with oppressive war-mongering
In the election of 1800, the Federalists waged a defensive struggle calling for strong central government and good order
By controlling the South and the West, Jefferson won the election

12. Democratic Republican victories in New York and the divided vote in Pennsylvania threw the election to Jefferson

13. Democratic Political Culture
The rise of partisan politics greatly increased popular participation
American politics became more competitive and democratic
Popular celebrations became common and suffrage increased
Refer to photo of Jefferson ad, p. 227.