The American Federal Government (Est - 1850/70 year period)

Establishment of formal political parties (During Jefferson's Term) Federalists a. Founders: Washington, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton (Sec of Treasury) Democratic Republicans (Democratic Republican ) a. Founders: Jefferson, James Madison Establishment of a national capital o Designed by a French architect o Designed the capital that would reflect American principles o Completed during Jefferson's term

Major Themes Government Expansion of the territory of the US Changes in Social conditions Major Conditions (1790 - ) 1789 President: George Washington

1.

The government was experimental. o Based on Greek democracy; English democracy; Ideas of the Enlightenment o Had I\inherent problems Empty treasury Rapid territorial expansion (1790 - 1820) o Created a political and social crisis Revolved on the issue of slavery Social: The concept of slavery itself Economic: Should the American economy have a slave component? The US was regarded as one of the richest countries in the world o Due to natural resources o Eventual setback due to the Civil War Pride of the Americans in their national identity o Millions of Europeans wanted to be Americans as well American values were strengthened by their independence o Individualism Religious foundation: Personal salvation o Equality Based on Enlightenment ideas However, their idea of equality was limited. Men were not equal to women White men were superior o Belief in Economic Progress The American dream The Political System The president was important in terms of formulation of national policy. It would appear that Congress was powerful due to the tremendous power given to the Legislative branch. However, the limitation of Congress lies in the fact that they were not the ones implementing the laws they passed. Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists Federalists: Strong federal/central government Anti-Federalists: Strong legislature and state governments Washington had no political party. Everyone was considered a Patriot.

o o

Creation of a national American culture Through laws approved by Congress A deliberate effort Specific Measures: (Mandatory) Writing of the history of the revolution Teaching of the history of the US in schools Preservation of Historical sites Washington's plantation Teaching of civics and good citizenship Teaching of science Other Initiatives: Poetry Groups; History Groups Noah Webster: Complied words in American English Conscious development of a non-monarchical form of government System of checks and balances Built in the constitution

2.

o o o o o o o o o

3.

4.

5.

Economic Policies of the Washington Administration Sec of Treasury: Alexander Hamilton Hamilton believed in the importance and the role of the economic elite

The role of the elite should be strengthened National indebtedness The American government will pay for its debts through Federal Bonds Federal Bonds: a system of raising money Impose new taxes Should be collected primarily from imports since imports competed with domestic products Taxes for manufacturing Low taxes for farmers (Progressive taxation) Federal Reserve A federal capital fund An agency that would be the repository of gold and other assets of the federal government In order to stabilize the currency Establishment of the Bank of the United States Equivalent to a Central Bank Collect revenue Release bonds Anti-Federalists opposed this because it would make the Federal government very powerful. They preferred State Banks. Compromise: The Bank of the United States was given a charter of 20 years. It was an unwise move but Hamilton had to compromise with the Anti-Federalists. Though the Anti-Federalists were not in power they were still influential.

Debates between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists (Due to the Outbreak of the French Revolution) Federalists: Opposed to the French Revolution AF: Led by Thomas Jefferson; Pro-Revolution; Had French friends; Was in France Marquis de La Fayette French General who went to the US Washington signed a treaty of alliance with Britain.

Laws passed by the US Congress

Federal Government Organic Act of 1789 Contained provisions on appointing people Judiciary Act of 1789 Established the Judicial system of the US Highest body: Supreme Court Chief Justice: John Jay Make the final judgment on the constitutionality of a court decision or a law Amendments to the Constitution

Isolationist stand John Adams was qualified but unpopular. Frequently insulted in public speeches by his opponents Called a terrorist; "The Federalist Great Terror" He continued the policies of Washington Federalist Reign of terror Naturalization act Extended requirement to 14 years

Washington was the president who set precedents . Admission of new states 14th State: Vermont Kentucky, Tennessee Based on the Land Ordinance Territory: Preparation for statehood Formally petition to become a state of the Union Decided by a vote by the Congress

Sedition Act Any criticism of the president or congress is punishable Alien Expulsion Act Undesirable citizens could be deported and expelled

Public Land Law Cheap sale price for land Land must be surveyed before it can be inhabited $2/acre Encourage migration Eventually, practically free: If you occupy the land, register it, it's yours. Rebirth of the US Navy The US didn't need a navy then A navy was necessary because they had an extensive trade system with Europe. Foreign Policy: Proclamation of Neutrality (French Revolution) Eventual recognition of the French Republic Indian policy 1795: A Treaty was signed with the Iroquois (First Treaty) Imposed on the Indians because they had been defeated Give up their lands in the Ohio Valley westward Forever and ever </3

Disturbances Showed that Washington's Administration was unstable

Indian Campaign of "Mad Anthony" Wayne (1794 - 1795) A Commander of the US Army that felt that the US was not active enough against the Indians The Indians were killed or driven out of the Ohio Valley Whiskey Rebellion Not in favor of whiskey taxation

Washington decided not to run for a third term. By the time, he was unpopular anyway. He established the precedent of limiting presidential service to two terms. John Adams' Term Second Election: Electoral College Jefferson came in second so he became the VP Democratic Republicans was shortened to Republicans Washington's farewell address (Incomplete) Able to gain peace with the Indians Established a land policy that would guarantee the prosperity of the people