Creating a Functioning Government 1977-1824

Articles of Confederation• Colonists didn’t wait to win their independence from England before setting up their own government.

•Articles of Confederation (1777)- First national constitution. Intentionally created to limit (or completely ridding themselves of) a tyrannical government. In other words, they wanted a very small “central” government.

•Limitations included: taking away power from the government to regulate trade or tax. (Obviously, this comes from frustrations with the taxation without representation… and getting taxed for virtually EVERYTHING (tea, stamp, etc..)

•Historians have criticized Articles of Confederation with being overwhelmingly concerned with prohibiting government from gaining power than with actually creating a functioning society.

Articles of Confederation (Continued)Relations with minorities….. -Native Americans: New era of relations between the colonist (Americans) and Native Americans. However, at this point this will soon prove to be a challenge as many Native Americans had allied themselves to the crown.

- Women: At the time considered second class citizens. Made several efforts (along with men) in fighting for America’s freedom. Expected some sort of compensation. * Abigail Adams “remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors”.

- Freed African Americans: After war, number of freed blacks rose. However, there were several racists publications and legislation (laws) that led to the early “ghettoization” of backs (and other minorities).

Problems with Articles of Confederation * Since the Articles of Confederation (A.O.C) did not allow government to impose taxes, in an effort to finance the war, more money was printed wild inflation.

*After war: GB denies colonies access to West Indian markets (punitive trade policies)- does not help out the current economy (no goods coming into American markets)

*Government was unable to impose tariffs (due to the AOC) and stood helpless. Tariffs would have protected American manufactures (made domestic products cheaper).

*Side note: First U.S protective tariff not passed until 1816.

Continued…. * Another source of tension within U.S, economic sectionalism- different economic needs according to each section of this country- North, South, etc… Eventually leads nation into Civil War. [Cause- Effect]

*Shay’s Rebellion (August 1786-Januar 1787): perfect example of early economic sectionalism, also showed how flawed the Articles were. 1500 Farmers marched to Springfield to protest unfair economical and political policies (Backcountry farmers against the Coastal elite)…

• Wealthy become extremely worried that the Articles of Confederation created a powerless government (unable to protect from such rebellions).

Some success of the Articles: *Greatest achievements: adoptions of certain ordinances that would oversee the sale of land to settlers.

*Best known success: Northwest Ordinance (1787) : Seen as the blue print for the Bill of Rights and other progressive government policies. It was also very important because of the relevance to the statehood of slavery.

* Guaranteed trial by jury, freedom of religion, freedom from cruel and unusual punishment, set regulations concerning requirements on the application for statehood, abolished slavery in the Northwest territories (North west of the Ohio River & east of Mississippi River all the way up to the Canadian border).

Continued…. *Claimed Native American land without their consent which resulted in war which lasted until 1795. The U.S gained military superiority over it’s chief Native American opponent in the area- the Miami Confederacy.

Reflect

Take a moment to analyze the importance of the Articles of

Confederation. Were they successful? Explain. (Do this using less then 50

words!)

A New Constitution *1787- evident that the Articles of Confederation did not give sufficient authority to the federal government. At least not enough for a successful new republic.

* Enter Alexander Hamilton who feared the lack of a uniform commercial policy (in other words, lack of a set of laws/ legislation for all the colonies/ states to have to oblige by)

*Hamilton puts together the Annapolis Convention to discuss the matter but only 5 delegates show up.

*Congress later agrees to meet in Philadelphia in May 1787 (Constitutional Convention) to revise the articles.

A New Constitution (Continued)Two Sides to Every Story. *Framers of the constitution come from several different backgrounds with different ideologies concerning the political direction of the new republic.

-New Jersey Plan: Called only for some modification of the Articles and also called for equal representation for each state

- Virginia Plan: (James Madison drafted most this proposed plan) called for an entirely new government based on checks and balances. Also called for the number of representatives for each to based on the state’s population (this would put some states at an advantage)

Continued….The Constitution Conclusion *Convention lasted about four months and several compromises

- Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise) : bicameral legislature (House of Representative-elected by the people and The Senate- elected by state legislatures at the time). The Constitution

- Also called for:

1. the Three-Fifths Compromise: Method for counting slaves as people/ population of Southern states in order to get more representation in Congress, but, slaves were not considered citizens… So, they were counted as three-fifths of a person.

2. Three branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial: checks and balances.

New Constitution (Continued)Facing Opposition/ Ratification

* Opponents of the Constitution known as Anti-Federalists and portrayed the federal government as all-powerful.

* Shocked by the fact that the constitution did not have a Bill of Rights.

* Many state legislatures agreed with this (the fate of the Constitution stood in their hands). They called upon ratification with the immediate addition of the Bill of Rights.

* Eventually, Bill of Rights added to the Constitution in 1791.

Continued…The Federalists * Federalists advocated a strong central government. Wanted ratification of the Articles.

*Federalists Papers: Published in a New York newspaper and later widely circulated. (Swayed opinions in New York a large hence very important state)

* Anonymously authored by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Joy.

*As stated before, Constitution goes into effect in 1789 and the Bill of Rights later added in 1791.

Reflection Would you have been a Federalist or Anti-Federalist? Explain.

Washington Presidency * Accepted the role of President out of a sense of obligation and exercised his authority with care and restraint.

*Delegated responsibility to the best minds of his time, the heads of the various executive departments known as the President’s Cabinet.

*Cabinet members consisted of Thomas Jefferson (secretary of state) and Alexander Hamilton (secretary of the treasury). Ironically, these two had opposite opinions of the role of government. Do you remember who favored what?

Continued….Hamilton VS Jefferson *Hamilton proposed a National Bank to help regulate and strengthen economy. (Approved by both houses) Washington was prepared to veto the bill as he deemed it unconstitutional. However he agreed with Hamilton’s argument and eventually signed the bill.

*Hamilton (broad constructionist): creation of a bank was an implied power of the government (government already had power to coin and borrow money and to collect taxes. The government could do anything within those assumed power (including creating a bank)

*Hamilton had a successful term as treasurer; handled national debt . Federal government assumed the state’s debt** pg. 113

*Concession to Hamilton’s plan: 1800 Nation’s capital moved to Washington D.C (created to become seat of the government)

Continued…Hamilton VS Jefferson *Jefferson: strict constructionists (also led by James Madison). He argued that the Constitution allowed Congress only the powers specifically granted to it or those “necessary and proper”. He concluded that a bank was not necessary and it’s creation would be unconstitutional (beyond the powers of the national government).

*Favored agrarian economy and small/ decentralized federal government. Supporters were Yeoman farmers/ southerners.

Continued….The French Revolution *Takes place during Washington’s term, causing continuous debate between Jefferson and Hamilton- and those in government.

*Jefferson was pro-republican so he wanted to support the Revolution. On the other hand Hamilton was pro-aristocratic so he clearly disliked what the revolution stood for (he opposed it’s support).

*France and G.B resume hostilities, G.B continues to be U.S’s primary trading partner so of course this influences the U.S’s decision to remain neutral towards the belligerent countries. (what becomes the Neutrality Proclamation)

*Citizen Edmond Genet (French government rep.)

Continued….Hamilton VS Jefferson *Origins of the two-party system.

*Federalists favored strong federal government (do not confuse with the Federalists who wanted the ratification of the Constitution)

*Democratic-Republicans: followers of Jefferson. Originally called themselves Republicans but later switched to Democratic Republicans (not to be confused with the Republican party -1850s- we still have today).

*Framers of the constitution regarded parties and factions and seen as dangerous.

Reflection:

Why do you think Jefferson and Hamilton’s differences were almost necessary or important for the U.S even today? Write in less than 40 words.

Continued…..Whiskey Rebellion *Also sparked by Hamilton’s financial program. Taxes on whiskey imposed by Hamilton in Pennsylvania provide money for the debt incurred the war. Farmers refused to pay taxes on whiskey and ensued a rebellion.

*Government would not tolerate disobedience so Washington dispatched the militia. Washington eventually pardoned the 2 men who were convicted.

*Many called him a tyrant (James Madison switched to Jefferson’s campaign).

*REFLECTION: What was the importance of the Whiskey Rebellion?

Washington’s Second TermJay’s Treaty *G.B presence still in the Northwest Territory. However, they were suppose to be removed as agreed in the Treaty of Paris.

*Washington sends John Jay to England to discuss the evacuation of the G.B troops as well as some free trade violations. (Jay’s Treaty)

* Jay’s treaty prevented war with G.B but seen as very “soft” towards the British. The treaty also involved G.B paying some of the war debts. G.B was not respecting the U.S and our rights as an independent nation.

*Jay’s treaty recognized as one of Washington’s lowest points during his administration.

Washington’s 2nd Term Pinckney’s Treaty *Washington also sends Thomas Pinkney to Spain to negotiate use of the Mississippi river, duty free access to world markets and the removal of Spanish presence in the U.S.

*Extracted a promise from Spain to prevent attacks on Western settlers from Native Americans.

*Treaty of San Lorenzo AKA Pinckney’s Treaty (1796) considered one of Washington’s high points.

*Congress asked Washington to provide documents regarding the treaty, for approval. Washington refused and declared executive privilege. (Nixon/ White House tapes)

Washington’s Farewell *Declines to run for a third term (note that at this time there were no amendments/ laws preventing a president for running for more than 2 terms. This was just respected after Washington… until FDR.)

*In his farewell address, Washington called for neutrality. This defined U.S policy up until the late 1890s (imperialism- WWI, WWII, Cold War)

Republican Motherhood Women were not allowed to play an active role in politics, but were expected to teach and be producers of virtuous male citizens…. At home.

*Private virtue: very important quality for women. Also a responsibility taken seriously. Women should only entertain suitors with good morals incentive for men to be more ethical.

*Also strong advocate for education for women. Educated women would produce better citizens. –HOWEVER- traditional roles unchanged for a very long time yet to come… Women were expected to receive education for the sole purpose to service their husbands and family.

John Adam’s Presidency *Adams was a Federalist (strong government) , argumentative, elitist hard to like.

*Due to the laws of the time, the 2nd runner up became VP, therefore, Jefferson was Adam’s VP (Jefferson had very different political views- Democratic Republican).

*Often allowed Jefferson’s political rival (Hamilton) to take charge which led Adam’s term to be a very divisive one.

*Greatest achievement: avoiding war with France.

*XYZ Affair: sent 3 diplomats to Paris for negotiations, HOWEVER- French demanded a huge bribe even before the negotiations commenced. Diplomats returned home, Adams published their reports but kept their names out of it, hence XYZ affair.

*Sparked anti-French rhetoric across the U.S. to the point that most were pro-war with France-BUT- Adams avoided war and negotiated settlements with France.

Continued…. *Lowest point: Alien and Sedition Acts government would forcefully expel foreigners and imprison newspaper editors for “malicious writing” against the government.

*Aimed at removing French immigrants who would support the Democrat-Republicans.

*Seen as a clear violation of the 1st Amendment rights.

*Jefferson/ Maddison anonymously drafted the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions which aimed and the nullification of the Alien and Sedition acts by arguing that the states had the right to judge the constitutionality of the federal laws.

*Never actually prevented the enforcement of laws- BUT- Jefferson used this on his campaign in 1800.

“Revolution” of 1800 *This is about that time when my corny history jokes come in handy. Remember the one I told you about Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton??

*Federalist party splits (1800) Democratic-Republicans use this to their advantage.

*Two men ran for nomination: Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr. Both won equal amount of electoral votes. This means that their fate now lay in the hands of the House of Reps. (Jefferson eventually won).

*Putting his pride to the side, Hamilton campaigned for Jefferson, bashing Burr in a letter written to persuade the vote towards Jefferson. Burr EVENTUALLY kills Hamilton in a duel during Jefferson’s re-elections (2nd term).

*Election noted for two reasons: 1. President again stuck with a VP he did not like. 12 Amendment (1804) fixes the issue- electors vote for a party ticket. 2. first non-violent transfer of power (from Federalist to Dem-Republicans “bloodless revolution”.

Jefferson’s First Term *Bloodless transfer of power was definitely not a friendly one.

*Adams made midnight appointments tried to fill government positions with Federalists. Jefferson refused to recognize these appointments and replaced these positions with Dem-Republic (by his 2nd term, positions mostly Dem-Republic)

*Result: Marbury VS Madison (1803). William Marbury sued Maddison for refusing to recognize his appointment. Chief Justice John Marshall , although Federalist, eventually declared Marbury’s appointment unconstitutional : court couldn’t FORCE Jefferson’s decision. established judicial review.

*Gives Jefferson the victory he wanted and claimed a major role for the Supreme Court.

Continued….Major Accomplishment

*Louisiana Purchase (1804) : Spain gives up Louisiana to the French. This poses a big threat to the U.S (would restrict American trade around the Mississippi). We wanted Napoleon out of our hair! Jefferson sent James Monroe to France to purchase territory for $2 million. The French offered to sell Monroe the whole Louisiana territory for $15 million.

*Decisions, decisions…for Jefferson. Jefferson decides to purchase the territory- doubled the size of the U.S.

*Lewis and Clark expedition. many pioneers turned their attentions westwards in search of land, riches and economic opportunities.

Two-Terms Jefferson

*Not as smooth as first term.

*ANOTHER French- English dispute (1805 at a stalemate) eventually leads to War of 1812. (cause and effect, prior knowledge)

*Both G.B and France, both very big trade partners for the U.S (economy) attempt to gain the upper hand on each other by placing a blockade on trade routes. The U.S suffered greatly from this blockade.

*G.B begins to stop U.S ship and start the impressing of sailors (claim that U.S sailors were run away British navy sailors.

*Jefferson did not want to claim war. At the time, our navy was no match for G.B’s SO Jefferson boycotts biding his time and increases U.S military and navy.

*Embargo Act (1807): shuts down U.S import/ export businesses- hurts economy tremendously. New England’s economy collapses, smuggling at an all time high.

*Non-Intercourse Act (1809): reopens trade, just not with G.B or France.

*Jefferson decides not to run for a third term and endorses James Madison (wins election).

Madison’s Presidency & the War of 1812 *Seeking a solution to the trade problems, Congress responds with the Macon’s Bill No. 2 reopens trade with G.B and France. However- Madison stated that if either of both countries renounced its interference with American trade, he would cut off trade with either one.

*Napoleon makes promise, G.B doesn’t hence embargo on G.B. HOWEVER, France continues to harass U.S ships and G.B upset at embargo. Pro-war sentiments in U.S grow.

*War Hawks: thought war was necessary. Led by Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun.

*Madison (although he tried not to) asked congress to declare war in 1812.

*Important side notes: Native Americans align themselves with G.B. Chief Tecumseh unified tribes in an effort to prevent expansion into Indiana and Illinois.

*U.S ill prepared and fighting went badly. G.B captures Washington DC (1814) and burns the White House.

*Eventually G.B-French hostilities end (when Napoleon is defeated) and peace negotiations soon began. (Treaty of Ghent)

War of 1812… Continued *Only clear victory for the U.S: Battle of New Orleans (fought and won by General Andrew Jackson “old hickory” .

*Federalist generally opposed the war because of the disrupted trade. Met at the Hartford Convention to discuss secession. War ends and Federalists seen as traitors. Hartford Convention leads to the dismantling of the Federalist party.

*Positive results of the war: Spurs American manufacturing. Because of the fact that trade was cut off, U.S was forced to rely on themselves because of necessity. In turn, the U.S becomes more self-sufficient and do not solely rely on G.B for importation of provisions.

*After war and for the rest of his term, Madison works on national growth. –protective tariffs – improvements on interstate roads (National Road- Maryland to Ohio) – re-chartering of the National Bank. Collectively known as the American System (Henry Clay)

Monroe’s Presidency * Demise of Federalist party made it easy for Monroe to take the presidency (only one political party).

* Period known as the Era of Good Feelings because there was only a “one party system” at the moment. HOWEVER, there was economic turmoil.

* Marshall continues to rule in favor of the Federal Government McCullock v. Maryland: states unable to tax national bank. (National Law over State Law)

*Panic of 1819 financial scare sent U.S economy into turmoil. Economic growth, inflation, land speculation: played a role in destabilizing the economy. Many borrowers couldn’t repay loan or their mortgages which lead to foreclosures and business failures. Many living in poverty. (Monroe easily wins reelection in 1820)

Continued… *New wave of westward expansion. John Quincy Adams (son of John Adams) negotiated various treaties in which U.S territories expanded. acquisition of Florida from Spain (Adams-Onis Treaty).

*handled international tension in South and Central America when inhabitants won independence from Spain. U.S had to recognize these new nations.

*Monroe Doctrine (foreign policy): U.S asserts their authority of Western Hemisphere. Policy of mutual non-interference –BUT- U.S may interfere anywhere in it’s own hemisphere if it felt its security was threatened.

*appeared to work since no European country actually attempted to intercede in the U.S. The truth of the matter is that they didn’t fear U.S military, it was G.B navy that made sure other countries would stay out.

*1823 warns European nations that U.S closed to future colonization.

*First of several doctrines (presidential statements of foreign policy) (Truman Doctrine, Eisenhower Doctrine, Nixon Doctrine, etc…)

*Helps secure U.S neutrality up until WWI.

Road to Civil War *1822 union consist of 22 states (11 free, 11 slave). Perfect balance.

*Missouri first state to be carved our of Louisiana Purchase and threatens the perfect balance.

*Henry Clay introduces Missouri Compromise: 1. Missouri admits the Union as Slave State 2. New state out of Massachusetts- Maine- admitted as a free state 3. 36-30 parallel 4. established the southern border of Missouri as the northernmost point where slavery would not be allowed (with the exception of Missouri itself).

*First series in the Road to Civil War

* Splits up the Democratic-Republicans after almost a 20 year control of national politics.

Drill and Reflection Now do the Chapter 7 Drill (pg. 124-125)

Reflection Activity pg. 126 (turn this one in to me)

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