Now that the Constitution is set, what’s next?
Presidente, numero uno George Washington was unanimous
choice Constitution – strong foundation, but not
clear on HOW to govern His first steps:
1) Judiciary Act of 1789: Supreme Court consists of chief justice and 5 associate justices (changed now to 8); also, state court decisions can be appealed by federal court
2) Executive Branch: 3 departments created – State, War, Treasury; first secretaries – Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, Alexander Hamilton
Two sides collideAlexander Hamilton Thomas Jefferson
-Grew up in British West Indies-Orphaned at 13-Worked at young age, moved to New York-Ship builder-Joined war, fought in Revolution along side Washington-Little faith in common people (afraid of mob)
-Started in politics at 26-Wrote declaration-Governor of VA-Southern planter – scholar, architect, inventor-For common people
Creating sectionalism…HAMILTON JEFFERSON
-power in federal gov’t-fear of mob rule-loose interpretation of Constitution-need for National Bank-economy based on shipping, manufacturing-payment of national and state debts-supporters- merchants, manufacturers, landowners, investors, lawyers, clergy
-share power with local and state gov’t; limited national gov’t-fear of absolute power-strict interpretation -no need for National Bank-economy farm based-payment of only the national debt-supporters- farmers, tradespeople
Hamilton offered idea – move capital to area closer south; 1790 – District of Columbia created
-Pierre L’Enfant, Andrew Ellicott, Benjamin Banneker
1st Political Parties And today, the parties still exist Major issue – power and size of federal
government Hamilton and strong central gov’t ideas
become Federalists Jefferson and state and local gov’t
control become Democratic-Republicans
Whiskey Rebellion
Corn – crop – bulky Frontier farmers revolt Hamilton – Protective tax of 1789 –
encourage American production; excise tax – to levy manufacturing of whiskey
Revolt by farmers; Hamilton and Washington bring in armies, defeat rebellion, proves ability to take control of domestic issues
Europe, revisited French Revolutio of 1789 influences
American political thought Who do you think America would support? Are they obligated to support a certain
side?
Ideas at home vary Jefferson, Madison (Democratic-
Republicans) wanted to honor 1778 treaty and support France
Hamilton (Federalists) wanted to support Britain
Decision: neutrality Messier Genet
Jefferson resigns 1793
Expanded Boundaries Spain and Thomas Pinckney sign Treaty
of San Lorenzo US received all land east of Mississippi
except Florida 31st parallel US southern boundary US can use port of New Orleans
Faults in previous treaty Treaty of Paris had holes – Great Britain troops still
occupied areas of Ohio Native Americans never accepted land changes Miami tribe – defeats US – Little Turtle 1794, US wins final bought – 20,000 worth of goods,
10,000 dollar annual payment Sets precedent with strategy to “deal” with Natives
John Jay treaty and French relations Signed treaty to renew relations with
Britain With growing divisions GW decides not to
run for 3rd term John Adams (Federalist) defeats Thomas
Jefferson (Dem-Rep) in election of 1796 Growing sectionalism XYZ affair – growing dissent towards
French in America Alien and Sedition Act – misuse of power
– according to Jefferson and Madison – VA and Kentucky rebellions
Washington dies on December 14, 1799
Questions for Thought…
Main Idea – page 187 #2, #4, #5 Main Idea – page 196 #4 – write in
complete sentences, at least ½ page