The New Government Begins Part 3 The Federalists in Charge The Federalists in Charge.

The New Government The New Government BeginsBegins

Part 3Part 3

The Federalists in ChargeThe Federalists in Charge

Washington RetiresWashington Retires

• By 1796, By 1796, Washington had Washington had helped the helped the country through country through many problems, many problems, and decided that and decided that after two terms, it after two terms, it was time to retire.was time to retire.

Washington Publishes his Washington Publishes his “Farewell Address”“Farewell Address”

Washington warned the American people to stay out of Europe’s problems, and to not enter into foreign alliances. We listened for awhile.

Washington also warned Americans about the dangers of political parties, and how they can divide people. We did not listen to his advice on this one.

The Election of 1796 The Election of 1796

In the election, Federalists supported John Adams for president, and Thomas Pinckney for Vice President. The Democratic-Republicans supported Thomas Jefferson for President and Aaron Burr for Vice President.

The Election of 1796The Election of 1796

An Interesting ResultAn Interesting Result

In the election, John Adams received the most electoral votes, and Thomas Jefferson got second place. That meant the president and vice president were in different parties, which led to some contention.

Although he was not a popular war hero, Adams was an honest, able leader. As President, he tried to act in the best interests of the nation, even if it hurt him politically.

It would have been It would have been difficult to follow difficult to follow

George WashingtonGeorge Washington

France Again Attacks France Again Attacks Our ShipsOur Ships

Soon after Adams took office, France began attacking our ships, encouraging many Americans to call for war. DIPLOMATS were sent to Paris to discuss the United States’ rights as a neutral nation.

The XYZ AffairThe XYZ Affair

The French foreign minister, Charles Talleyrand, refused to meet with the American diplomats. Instead, he sent three secret agents in his place.

The secret agents said that before the foreign minister would talk to them, he wanted $250,000 for himself, and a $10 million loan for France. The Americans refused, and said they wouldn’t pay anything. They went back and reported to the President.

Political Cartoon About the Incident

The president informed congress about the incident, and referred to the agents as “X”, “Y”, and “Z”. Americans were outraged that France had wanted the bribe, and were even more willing to fight France.

Adams Adams Avoids Avoids

WarWar

Despite a lot of pressure, Adams refused to ask Congress to declare war. However, the navy was strengthened, and fast-moving ships with guns called FRIGATES were also made. France backed down somewhat.

The Federalist Party The Federalist Party SplitsSplits

Many members of the Federalist party were upset with Adams and his policies. They wanted war with France, so the military could become stronger, and the government would have more power. The disagreements led to a branch of the party called “High Federalists”.

High Federalists Passed The High Federalists Passed The Alien and Sedition ActsAlien and Sedition Acts

• The Alien Act made it harder for people to become citizens. Also, anyone considered dangerous, could be expelled from the country.

• Under the Sedition Act, citizens could be jailed or fined for criticizing the government or its officials.

Anger Over the Alien and Anger Over the Alien and Sedition ActsSedition Acts

Many people felt these laws violated our free speech rights. Some states even passed laws where they could NULLIFY, or cancel laws they felt were wrong, or unconstitutional.

The Election of 1800The Election of 1800

By 1800, fear of war with France had faded. The Democratic-Republicans hoped to sweep the Federalists out of office by focusing on the higher taxes they had passed, as well as the Alien and Sedition Acts.

A DeadlockA DeadlockDemocratic-Republicans win the election, but two members of their party tied in the electoral college at 73 votes each. Under the Constitution, the House of Representatives decides who will win. Over a period of 4 days, they voted 35 times and it was still a tie!

Eventually the tie was broken, and Jefferson became the President. Aaron Burr won the Vice Presidency. The Constitution was amended so this would not happen again. Some people believed Alexander Hamilton swayed people to vote for Jefferson who he may have considered “the lesser of two evils”.

The Federalist Party The Federalist Party DeclinesDeclines

After Jefferson’s win, the power of the Federalist party started to decrease. Alexander Hamilton was even killed in a DUEL with Vice President Aaron Burr.

Alexander Hamilton

AaronBurr

Jefferson did not have Burr run with him for re-election in 1804. Burr then tried to be governor of New York, but Hamilton had written some bad things about Burr, which Burr felt had damaged his chances

to be New York’s governor. Burr challenged Hamilton to a duel, and

actually killed him.

Why Did They Duel?Why Did They Duel?