Launching the Nation

The United States after the Constitution

Name the first three presidents of the United States.

What is the electoral college?

George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson

A body of electors who represent the people’s vote in choosing a president.

What are some of the precedents set by George Washington during his term in office? (8.6 spi 1)

Who were the first five presidents, what years were each of them in office, and what was one major accomplishment for each of the five men? (8.6 spi 1)

How do taxes affect an economy? (8.2 spi 5)

Today: Chapter 7, Section 1 notes Tomorrow: Brainpop; Write a letter to

George Washington Wednesday: Comparing Jefferson,

Hamilton Thursday: Quiz over Chapter 7,

Section 1; Library powerpoint Friday: Library day

The American people believed in GW Gouverneur Morris to Washington:

• “Should the idea prevail that you will not accept the presidency, it should prove fatal to the new government. Of all men, you are best fitted to fill that office.”

Precedent: An action or decision that serves later as an example

Everything GW did would be an example to every president after him

Group of advisors to the President

Washington

Hamilton – Sec. of Treasury

Jefferson – Sec. of State

Have your parents sign the test. I’ll let you make corrections in CORE

for half credit. Read Chapter 7, Section 1 (pages

234-237). Answer 1-3 on page 237.

One of two cities in 1790 that had population of over 25,000 (Philadelphia)• 8,175,133 in 2010• Most people lived in rural towns or countrysides

Wall Street• Center of economic activity for the states

One of GW’s biggest problems was paying off the debt from the Rev. War

This was where Hamilton came in

U.S. Debts to Foreign Nations:$11.7 million

U.S. Debts to American Citizens:$40.4 million

America’s debt was so high because it had borrowed money from other countries and it had sold bonds to American citizens.

Bonds are certificates that you buy in order for the gov’t to raise money• They will buy it back at a higher rate

Gov’t couldn’t afford this at first; many sold their bonds to speculators

Hamilton wanted to also pay off some of the states’ debt for the war• But many Southern states didn’t want him to; they

didn’t want their money spent on other states• Thomas Jefferson gets irritated with Hamilton

“This is VIRGINIA!”

In order to please the Southern states, Hamilton convinced GW to move the capital city to. . .

Jefferson and Hamilton didn’t get along• Had too many different views

• Jefferson on Hamilton: “Bewitched & perverted. . .under conviction that corruption was essential to government.”

Mainly economical• Hamilton favored industry; Jefferson favored

agriculture• Hamilton wanted high tariffs; Jefferson not so much• As far as interpreting the Constitution, Hamilton was

a loose constructionist; Jefferson was a strict constructionist

Hamilton desired a national bank that the government could keep its money in• Make loans to businesses; also create a mint • Said the elastic clause allowed the gov’t to create

one Jefferson disagreed; argued that Hamilton

was overstepping

Despite Jefferson’s protest, GW agreed with Hamilton

1791 – The Bank of the United States is created

French Revolution (1789)

French people rebelled against King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette• Got their heads chopped off

The French had helped the U.S. during the Rev. War

After the French Rev., France went to war with England• Wanted the U.S. to help; GW says no• GW’s Neutrality Proclamation said the U.S. wouldn’t

pick sides (stay neutral)• France begins trying to get U.S. ships to fight with

them against Britain

Not everyone liked GW’s neutrality Some wanted to help the French

Others wanted to help the British

The British were seizing U.S. ships and helping the Indians fight the American settlers• Jay’s Treaty – Settled disputes between

Britain and the U.S., but not everyone happy

The Spanish had closed the MS River port of New Orleans• Pinckney’s Treaty – Reopened NOLA and set

U.S. southern boundary at 31° N latitude

Whiskey Rebellion

In order to pay off national debts, a tax was placed on all American whiskey

People in western Pennsylvania were upset• Already mad because the gov’t couldn’t protect

them from Indian attacks• Most only produced small amounts of whiskey and

couldn’t afford the tax

Protests started peacefully, but soon got violent

GW leads an army of 13,000 soldiers to put down the rebellion• Only president to ever personally lead an army• Rebels run away like little girls

After his second term, he leaves office In his “Farewell Address” he warns:

• That the U.S. should remain neutral at all costs• Against the dangers of political parties• Against borrowing large amounts of money and

gaining even more debt

American politics had already begun to split into two distinct parties• Sort of like today

- Lower taxes (in most cases)

-More conservative on social issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, etc. (usually)

-Smaller government that does only what is needed (usually)

-Favor higher taxes

-Most, but not all, tend to be liberal on social issues

-Large government needed to protect the rights and freedoms of the people

The two parties that emerged called themselves:• Federalists (Big Bicep)• Republicans (Tiny Bicep)

Most parties were based on where people lived• Urban cities supported Federalists more• Rural farmers supported Republicans more

John Adams (Fed) defeats Jefferson (Rep)• Jefferson becomes Vice President• Adams not a likely candidate for President

Remember, France and the U.S. are beefin’

Adams’ first goal as President was to improve relations with France• Sent several diplomats over to France to smooth

things over

U.S. diplomats are told that the French Foreign Minister won’t meet with them unless:• They give him a $250,000 bribe• They give France a $12,000,000 loan

Adams reported what happened to Congress• Instead of giving names of the French diplomats who

asked for the bribes, he labels them X, Y, and Z• American people are absolutely irate (mad)

Most Americans wanted war with France, but Adams didn’t• Asked for a peacetime army from Congress• France and U.S. sign a treaty for peace eventually• Many people, including Federalists, begin insulting

Adams in the press

Adams passes the Alien & Sedition Acts• Made it illegal to criticize the President• Republicans hated these acts because they felt they

violated free-speech (and they were right)• These acts would cost Adams in the 1800 election