Chapter 9Launching the New Government

Chapter 9, Section 1Washington Takes Office

Washington Takes Office George Washington was inaugurated in New York City on

April 30, 1789.

An inauguration is a ceremony in which the President officially takes the oath of office.

Being the first president Washington had nobody to look to for guidance nor did he really know how govern from day to day.

Precedent – an act or decision that sets an example for others to follow.

President George Washington First President of the

United States.

He served in office for two terms.

Chose not serve for a third.

Only one President served in office for more than two terms and that was in 1940.

The First Cabinet

In 1789, Congress created five executive departments: 1 departments of State 2. Department of Treasury 3. Department of War 4. Attorney General 5. Postmaster General.

The heads of these departments made up the Presidents cabinet.

First Cabinet continued President Washington chose well known leaders to

serve in his cabinet.

Two of the most famous people Washington chose were Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton.

Thomas Jefferson – Secretary of State

Alexander Hamilton – Secretary of Treasury.

Federal Court System

Congress passed the Judiciary Act, which called for the Supreme Court to consist of one Chief Justice and five Associate Justices.

John Jay was the first chief Justice.

The Judiciary Act also established district courts and circuit courts across the nation.

The Supreme court was the highest court in the land.

Reducing the Nation’s Debt Alexander Hamilton faced

many problems in solving the national debt.

National debt – the total amount of money that a government owes to others.

During the war many states borrowed money from foreign countries and ordinary citizens.

Bonds

Governments borrowed money by issuing bonds.

Bonds- a certificate that promises to repay the money loaned, plus interest, on a certain date.

War bonds were very popular during World War II. Here is a picture of Uncle Sam.

Hamilton’s Plan Hamilton wanted the government to buy

up all the bonds issued by both the national and state governments.

His plan was to issue new bonds to pay off the nations debt.

As the economy improved, the government would then be able to pay of the debt.

Debating Hamilton’s Debt James Madison

disagreed with Hamilton’s plan.

Believed it would benefit speculators.

Speculators- someone who invests in a risky venture in the hope of making a large profit.

Debating Hamilton’s Plan Speculators would buy bonds off of

soldiers or citizens who needed money.

Their bonds would be worth a dollar but speculators would only buy them for 10 to 15 cents.

If the government paid off the debt in full the speculators stood to make large profits.

Debating Hamilton’s Plan continued. Hamilton felt strongly about paying off the debt because if the

United States failed to do so, it would hurt keeping long term investors in the future.

After a long debate, congress agreed to fully repay the nation’s debt.

By 1789, southern states were upset with Hamilton’s plan because most southern states had already paid off their debt.

They believed other states should do the same and bitterly opposed Hamilton’s plan.

Hamilton’s Compromise Many Southerners wanted the capital to be located in the south.

Hamilton offered to support this idea if the southern states would agree to his plan to repay the debts.

In 1790, Congress voted to repay state debts and to build a new capital city.

New capital would not be apart of any state. Congress called this new area the District of Columbia. The new capital would be ready by 1800.

Until then the Capital was moved to Philadelphia.

Plans to Build the Economy

Hamilton had a plan to boost the economy by improving both the agricultural and industrial industries.

In 1791, Hamilton asked Congress to set up a national bank, the Bank of the United States. The government deposited money form taxes in the

bank. The bank than issued paper money to pay the

government's bills and to make loans to farmers and businesses.

Plans to Build the Economy Hamilton also asked Congress to pass a tariff, or tax, on

foreign goods brought into the country.

A high tariff on foreign goods would make them too expensive and would force citizens to buy American goods instead.

In the North, where there were more and more factories, people supported Hamilton’s Plan.

Southerners however, bought a lot of foreign good and opposed Hamilton’s plan.

The Whiskey Rebellion To raise money,

Congress passed a tax on all liquor made and sold in the United States.

This new tax enraged Americans and tested the strength of the new government.

A Hated Tax Many farmers in the south grew corn however, it was

difficult to transport.

Farmers converted corn into whiskey. Barrels of whiskey could be transported more easily.

Farmers hated the new tax and refused to pay it, they compared it to the taxes Britain had forced on the colonies.

In 1974, thousands of people marched through the streets of Pittsburgh protesting. They sang Revolutionary songs and tarred and feathers tax collectors.

A Show of Strength President Washington sent the militia to

Pittsburgh to break up the protest.

Hamilton wanted the leaders to be executed but Washington refused. Instead he offered them pardons.

Washington believed that the government had shown their strength to all and now it was time to show mercy.

A Show of Strength continued.

The Whiskey Rebellion tested the will of the new government.

Washington’s quick response proved to Americans that their government could act quickly in a time of crisis.

Washington also showed those who disagreed with the government that violence would not be tolerated.

Chapter 9 , Section 2“ Creating a Foreign Policy”

The French Revolution In 1789, French ships arrived in American ports with

startling news.

On July 14, 1789, an angry mob stormed the Bastille, an ancient fort that was used as a prison.

The storming of the Bastille marked the beginning of the French Revolution.

This revolution would topple the monarchy and would lead to the execution of thousands of citizens.

Response to the French Revolution

King Louis XVI, King of France.

Reasons for rebellion against King Louis.

Peasants paid high taxes Nobles paid none. Reformers wanted a

constitution to limit the kings powers.

American Support Americans supported the French Revolution for three

important reasons.1. Americans had just fought for their own independence.2. The French were the Americans first ally3. Americans admired Marquis de Lafayette, who was a

French reformer, and who fought in the American Revolution.

However, by 1793, The French Revolution became more violent. They beheaded both the King and Queen. During the Reign of Terror thousands of people were

executed.

Violence Stirs Division Thomas Jefferson

continued to support the French.

He condemned the execution of the King and Queen.

Yet, he still felt the French had the Right to use violence to win freedom.

Violence Stirs Division continued

John Adams along with Alexander Hamilton strongly disagreed with Thomas Jefferson.

They believed no one could create democracy through widespread violence.

A Difficult Decision Faced with war in Europe, President Washington had to

come up with a foreign policy.

Foreign Policy - refers to actions that a nation takes in relation to other nations.

The French wanted to use U.S. ports to supply its ships and launch attacks on British ships.

Washington knew he could not honor its treaty with France so the U.S. became neutral, didn’t take sides.

Division in the Cabinet

Hamilton pointed out that the U.S. signed a treaty with King Louis XVI. With the King and Queen now dead he believed the ties were now severed with France.

Washington ordered a Neutrality Proclamation, the United States would not support either side in the war.

Neutrality was a defeat to Jefferson and this event along with several other defeats would force Jefferson to leave the cabinet.

Struggling to Remain Neutral

By 1793, the British captured more than 250 American ships trading in the French West Indies.

As a result of the British capturing American ships, some citizens wanted to go to war against Britain.

Washington knew that the U.S was to weak to fight, instead he sent Chief Justice John Jay to negotiate.

John Jay

Negotiated an agreement that called for Britain to pay damages for the seized American ships.

Britain also agreed to give up the forts it held in the West.

John Jay continued

America in return had to pay long over do debts owed to British Merchants.

This agreement between Britain and America was known as Jay’s Treaty.

People protested the treaty because it did nothing to protects the rights of neutral American ships.

Washington Retires

George Washington retired from the presidency in 1796, but before retiring he published his Farewell Address.

In his farewell address, Washington advised Americans against becoming involved in European Affairs.

He rejected alliances that could drag the United States into war.

Chapter 9, Section 3Political Parties Emerge

A Distrust of Political Parties

When Washington became president there were no political parties.

Political disagreements divided Americans.

By 1797, two rival political parties had emerged to compete for power.

A Distrust of Political Parties Factions, or opposing groups within parties,

worked in Britain.

Members of factions often plotted to win government favors and bribes.

Political parties were also viewed as a threat to national unity.

Despite Washington’s warning, factions grew around two members of his cabinet, Hamilton and Jefferson.

Alexander Hamilton Born in the West

Indies.

Worked his way up from poverty.

Dressed in fine clothing, was outgoing and energetic.

Enjoyed political debates.

Thomas Jefferson

Wealthy Lawyer from Virginia.

Tall and Lanky.

Wore clothing that barely fit him.

Writer of the Declaration of Independence.

Manufacturing or Farming Hamilton wanted the United States to model itself on

Britain.

Hamilton believed that the U.S should focus on manufacturing and trade.

Jefferson thought differently, he believed farmers would be the backbone of the new country.

* He feared that manufacturing would corrupt the U.S by concentrating power in the hands of a small group of wealthy Americans.

Federal or State Power Hamilton wanted the federal government to

have greater power than the states.

He argued that a strong federal government, was needed to increase commerce.

A strong federal government would also be able to stop a mob like the Whiskey rebellion.

Federal or State Power continued

Jefferson believed that smaller federal government would be able to protect individuals freedom.

A strong federal government could possibly take over powers that the Constitution gave to the states.

Strict or Loose Interpretation of the Constitution. Jefferson feared that a national bank would give too

much power to wealthy investors and the government.

He argued the law setting up the bank, it was unconstitutional, not permitted by the Constitution.

Nowhere in the Constitution did it say Congress could create a national bank.

Any power not given specifically to the federal government, belonged to the states.

Hamilton did not agree with Jefferson on his strict interpretation of the Constitution.

The Constitution gave Congress the power to make all laws “necessary and proper.”

He argued that the national bank was necessary for the government to collect taxes and pay its bills.

Strict or Loose Interpretation of the Constitution continued.

Britain or France

Hamilton believed that it was important to maintain close ties with Britain.

Britain was a major trading partner.

Jefferson disagreed with Hamilton and favored the French.

They were the first ally of the United States.

Development of Political Parties Congress began to pass many of Hamilton’s

programs and as a result Jefferson and Madison decided to organize supporters of their views.

Jefferson went to New York and met with Governor George Clinton and Aaron Burr who were both fierce critics of Hamilton.

Jefferson asked if they help him to defeat Hamilton’s program by convincing New Yorkers to vote for him.

Republicans and Democrats. Jefferson’s supporters were known as Democratic

Republicans (or republicans).

This group consisted of small farmer, artisans, and some wealthy planters.

Hamilton’s supporters were known as Federalists, because they favored a strong national government.

This group consisted of merchants and manufacturers in cities such as Boston and New York.

Newspapers Take Sides As party rivalry grew, newspapers took sides.

John Fenno, publisher of “The Gazette of the United States”, backed Hamilton and the Federalists.

Philip Freneau, started a rival paper, the National Gazette, backed Jefferson and the republicans.

Newspapers greatly influenced public opinion. Articles mixed rumors and opinions with facts.

Election of 1796 Political parties played a huge role in the

election of George Washington’s successor.

Republicans backed Thomas Jefferson as President and Aaron Burr as Vice President.

Under the Constitution the person with the most electoral votes became President. The person with the next highest became Vice President.

Election of 1796

John Adams, a Federalist, won office as President. Thomas Jefferson came in second and became Vice President.

Having a President and Vice President form apposing parties further increased political tensions.

In March 1797, John Adams became the second President of the United States.

Chapter 9, Section 4The Second President

Conflict with France

Adams faced a crisis with France over Jay’s Treaty.

The French believed the treaty favored Britain.

As a result, the French began seizing American ships in the West Indies like the British had done.

To avoid war, Adams sent diplomats to France to discuss the rights of neutral nations.

Charles Maurice De Talleyrand

French foreign minister.

Sent three agents to deal with the Americans.

Before talks could begin Talleyrand said he wanted $250,000 for himself and a 10 million dollar loan to France.

Conflict with France American diplomats returned to the U.S and told

Adams about the offer.

Adams then told Congress but did not give up the three men's names, instead he referred to them as X, Y, and Z.

Americans were outraged by the XYZ Affair in 1798.

They were not willing to spend a dime on a bribe but spend millions on defense.

XYZ Affair

Adams refused to ask Congress to declare war on France.

Like President Washington, Adams wanted to keep America out of European affairs.

In response to French attacks on American ships, Adams strengthen the navy by building frigates, fast-sailing ships with many guns.

The Federalists Party Splits

Federalists criticized Adams, they hoped that a war with France would weaken the Republicans because they supported France.

A war would also forces the nation to build its military forces.

Although Adams was a Federalist, he disagreed with Hamilton and as a result caused a split in the Federalist Party.

The Federalist Party Splits continued.

Adams sent diplomats to France, while there they met with a young army officer named Napoleon Bonaparte.

Bonaparte was planning for war against several European Powers and had not time to go to war with America.

He signed an agreement to stop seizing Americans ships.

Alien and Sedition Acts

In 1798, the Federalists past many laws through Congress known as the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Under these new acts the President could expel any alien or foreigner, thought to be dangerous to the country.

It also made it harder for Aliens to become citizens. Before this new law, white immigrants could become

citizens after five years, now this law made them wait fourteen years.

Alien and Sedition Acts continued

Republicans were outraged when Congress passed the Sedition Act.

Sedition means stirring up a rebellion against the government.

Under this law citizens could be fined or jailed for criticizing the government or its officials.

Republicans stated this new Act violated the Constitution and went against the freedom of speech and press.

The Rights of States

Vice President Jefferson strongly opposed the Alien and Sedition Acts and encouraged states to strong action against the acts.

States had the right to nullify, or cancel, a law passed by the federal government.

Kentucky and Virginia passed resolution in 1798 and 1799.

The Rights of States

The Kentucky and Virginia resolutions claimed that each state “has equal right to judge for itself” where a law is unconstitutional.

If a state finds a law to be unconstitutional it is the states right to nullify the law.

This resolution also raised the issue of States’ Rights.

Election of 1880

Republicans on two important issues in 1880. 1. they attacked Federalists for raising taxes to

prepare for war. 2. They opposed the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Republicans backed Thomas Jefferson for President and Aaron Burr for Vice President.

Deadlock

Republicans won the popular vote in the race for the presidency.

However, Jefferson and Burr both received 73 electoral votes.

During this time period the electoral college did not separately for President and Vice President.

Deadlock continued

Under the Constitution, if no candidate wins the electoral vote, the House of Representatives decides the elections.

The House chose Thomas Jefferson as President and Aaron Burr as Vice President.

Congress would later pass the 12th Amendment, which would require electors to vote separately for President and Vice President.

The Federalist Era Ends After 1880, the Federalist party slowly declined.

They won fewer seats on Congress.

After Alexander Hamilton was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, the party weakened greatly.

In the end the Federalist did help shape our nation and even Republican Presidents kept most of Hamilton’s economic plans.