The Republican Experiment

The Republican Experiment

A.P. U.S. HistoryMr. Krueger

Concept that ultimate political authority is

vested in the citizens of the nation. The character of republican government was dependent on the civic virtue of its citizens to preserve the nation from corruption and moral decay.

Republicanism

The term Republican was more powerful in the

18th century than the 21st century The American people had taken the

responsibility of founding an elective system of government

A republic government demanded a high degree of public morality. Why?

If luxury and prodigality were substituted for virtue and economy, problems would exist.

From Monarchy to Republic

The spread of Protestant Evangelicalism was

essential to maintaining a sense of order. The thought – God promised progress and

prosperity to the republic Population increases New Houses Land Clearing Industrial Development

Americans will divide over liberty and order Goodness must overtake wealth for success in

America

The Key

Where do women and blacks fit into this new

society?

What demands does liberty impose upon the new government?

What does the Republic need of its citizens to survive?

Who were the early leaders that ensured success?

Discussion

Americans end any aristocratic presence, and special

privilege related to noble birth G. Washington and other officials founded the Society of

Cincinnati – a membership passed from father to son in 1783.

Some felt this would destroy civil liberty. It was referred to as hereditary peerage.

G. Washington established bylaws and reforms – the crisis passed.

Titles such as esquire and the wearing of white wigs were ended (English Customs)

The appearance of equality was more important than achievement. War was waged against the Monarchy – should not have classes visibly distinguishable.

States abolish primogeniture.

Social-Political Reform

Lowering of property requirements for voting

privilege was encouraged. Pennsylvania and Georgia allowed all white male

tax payers to vote, and all other states lowered requirements, with the exception of Massachusetts.

J. Adams exclaimed that if states went too far women might receive rights and men without a farthing might have equal vote.

As settlers moved to the frontier they were still recognized in their state legislature. State Capitals also moved west to make meetings easier for legislatures.

Social-Political Reform

Post independence Americans reexamined the

relationship between church and state Thomas Jefferson believed that all should have free

expression of religious beliefs He sought disestablishment of the Anglican Church They had received pre-revolution tax money 1786 – Virginia cut ties between church and state

Other states disestablished the Anglican Church, but in Massachusetts and New Hampshire Congregational Churches still enjoyed special status

Americans supported toleration, but tended to oppose philosophers who challenged Christian values

Social-Political Reforms

Slavery contradicts republican principle. How do

they allow this? During the revolution abolitionist feelings spread

Issue: Liberty was demanded from England, yet we enslaved several 100,000 Africans

African Americans constantly reminded law makers that they had the right to liberty New Hampshire – 19 blacks called themselves the

“Natives of Africa” and reminded legislatures how detestable slavery was.

Benjamin Banneker – Maryland’s African American astronomer and mathematician

Philip Wheatley – Boston’s celebrated African muse-recognized poet even in Europe

African Americans in the New Republic

T. Jefferson – “Our black brethren have talents

equal to those of other colors” In northern states slaves had no practical use

and new immigrants resented competing for jobs with slaves Leads to anti-slavery societies Ben Franklin organized a group called “The

Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held” (Philadelphia)

John Jay and Alexander Hamilton founded the Manumission Society (1785 New York)

African Americans in the New Republic

What differences lead to the divide between

cultural outlooks on slavery in the north and south of the United States?

In areas that prohibit slavery, are African Americans equal?

What did Eli Whitney invent in 1793 that compounded the need for slaves in the south?

Discussion

Revolution accelerated change in family structure Pre-revolution – fathers were the patriarchs –

unlimited power in families Many novels written on this – discussed how women

were innocent victims of unreformed males – “Pamela and Clarissa”

Things change as women make demands of Republic and husbands Abigail Adams told her husband to remember the ladies

at the meetings of the Continental Congress New idea: if virtue was important, mothers need teach

these values to their children and instruct their husbands in proper behavior

Women must share virtue and prudence

Rethinking Gender

Educated Women were more successful and

needed an education equal to men Divorce became more common New opportunities

Women’s organizations Running family farms and businesses New Jersey women who owned property could

vote 1790. Repealed in 1807. Reason – their votes determined an election outcome.

Some gains, but they remain central to home life.

Rethinking Gender

May 1776 – Second Continental Congress urges

states to adopt constitutions Rhode Island and Connecticut had Republican

government by virtue of their 17th century charters Some early constitutions were experimental and

later rewritten. After independence Americans demanded state

constitutions to completely explain: Rights of people Power of the rulers

Lessons of Republicanism

State Constitution authors thought men and

women possessed certain rights which government had no control

8 State constitutions contained a Declaration of Rights 3 fundamental freedoms

Religion Speech Press

They protected from: Unlawful searches Unlawful seizures Upheld trial by jury

Natural Rights

State Constitutions reduced power of governor Some states eliminated the position, or the

president replaced it. Governors were controlled:

Almost no political appointment power No veto power (Massachusetts was the exception)

Most effective power was in the legislature Penn. and Georgia were unicameral (one house

system) Two house systems survived the revolution

because it was familiar.

Governors?

John Adams took leadership for the new

Massachusetts Constitution Framework:

Governor (veto power) House Senate Property qualifications for office holders and voters

Growing Trend – politicians seem a little poorer, less polished, not so well dressed or educated

They were called the people’s men: honest and sincere

New republic depended on the virtue of its people.

Power to the People

Separate States could not deal with post war issues

Conducting war Borrowing Money Regulating Trade Negotiating treaties

Central government was needed – founding members feared a strong central government like Britain.

John Dickinson and committee created a plan with a strong central government, equal state representation, and taxes based on population – blacks as well as whites.

Not well received – instead the Articles of Confederation were ratified in 1777.

Articles of Confederation

Articles provided for:

Single Legislative Body Representatives selected annually by state legislatures Each state had a single vote in Congress

Weaknesses: No independent executive No veto over legislature decisions Congress can’t tax National government could only obtain funds by

asking fro state contributions Amendments to the Articles required the approval of

all 13 states

The Plan

Major question – land west of Appalachians

Hoped the British would surrender the lands Virginia and Georgia claimed lands from Atlantic

to Pacific, and other colonies felt the same Resolution: 1781 – Virginia agreed to cede land

to the confederation. Jefferson worried that western expansion would

be difficult to govern It was now thought that the west belonged to

the United States, not the separate states.

Opposition

Created: Dept. of War Foreign Affairs Dept. Finance Dept.

Achievements: Brought order to the western settlement (Northwest

Territory) Incorporated frontier Americans into the federal system

Northwest Ordinance 1787 3-5 territories Governor in charge 3 judges appointed by Congress Jefferson – when population reached level of smallest

state they could apply for statehood

New Departments and Achievements

Struggling economy and divisions between

north and south in regards to trade with Britain.

Congress printed paper money in war-time 200 million now worthless.

State and national debt also existed. Articles prohibited Congress from taxing. National Plan – Hamilton, Madison, Morris

5% tax on imported goods sold in states would go towards debt. Not passed because all 13 needed to agree according to Articles.

Search For Order

1786 – J. Madison and friends look to overhaul

the Articles. Key Event – Shays Rebellion – Dan Shays and

armed neighbors closed a county courthouse b/c creditors foreclosed on farm mortgages.

Nationalists said a strong federal government was necessary.

Philadelphia Convention – Spring 1787 – 55 men, 12 states represented, not Rhode Island

These people were lawyers, merchants, planters – fought in Revolution and served in Congress.

Constitutional Reform

Virginia Plan – James Madison – to be

presented by Edmund Randolph the Virginia governor. Federal Government could veto state laws National legislature of two houses – one elected

directly by the people, the other chosen by the first house from nominations from the state legislature

Based on population 3 branch system (Judicial, Legislative,

Executive)

VA Plan

William Patterson of NJ

Unicameral ideas with each state receiving one vote

Congress could Tax and Regulate Trade Only NJ, NY, DE approved Patterson feared that in the VA plan small

states would loose their identity.

NJ Plan

Upper House – Senate – equal representation Lower House – House of Reps – based on

population Lower house can initiate money bills 3/5th compromise – 5 slaves = 3 white voters Elected President chosen by electoral college

(body of men in each state chosen by voters) 2nd largest vote getter would be VP Presidential powers – Veto, Nominate Judges Bill of Rights passed Sept. 25, 1789. Ratified

December 15, 1791 by ¾ of the states.

The Great Compromise