Washington and Adams

Setting the Stage for American Presidents

Chapter 6 Reading Quiz

• Marbury v. Madison

• Whiskey Rebellion

• Bank of the US

• XYZ Affair

• Louisiana Purchase

First Elections• Washington was the

first president under the Constitution.

• He took office on April 16, 1789 by a unanimous vote in the first presidential ballot.

• Constitution only foundation not blueprint

Did You Know??? Washington had no actual

desire to become president

His plan was to settle down in his new Virginia Estate commonly known as Mt. Vernon.

America wanted Washington because as the Revolutionary War hero he was a strong leader with great authority.

The New Government Takes Shape

“We are in the wilderness without a single footstep to guide us.” James Madison

Figuring out Washington

• In table partner groups you will be assigned 1 of 4 Primary Source Readings regarding George Washington’s beliefs and policies.

• Read each set of documents and as a group answer the questions. You will then be paired with another group who read the same documents and compare your answers. One person from each group will present the groups findings to the class as a whole.

Figuring out Washington

• Group One Readings: Federal Union– How is the American nation guided by divine providence?– According to Washington, why is the United States

unique among nations of the world?– How does government best serve the interests of the

people?– What are the feelings of Southerners toward the national

government? According to Washington, what factors are responsible for these attitudes?

– What concerns does Washington express regarding future adherence to the excise tax on whiskey?

Figuring out Washington

• Group Two Readings: Political Factions– According to Washington, should differences of opinion be

put aside in the interest of unity?– How do political factors obstruct the functions of

government?– Why does Washington feel that the nation will be torn

asunder by political factions?– According to Washington, what role have gazettes

(newspapers) played in promoting discord?– What is the tone of Washington's letter to Jefferson?

Figuring out Washington

• Group Three Readings: Whiskey Rebellion– Why does Washington believe it is important for the government to act?– According to Washington, what are the consequences of taking no

action?– What is Washington referring to when he says "we may bid adieu to all

government in this Country, except Mob and Club Govt."?– In Washington's view, once a law is passed by the Congress what is

the responsibility of citizens?– According to Washington, to what extent was Citizen Edmund Genet,

the French ambassador, responsible for the discontent in western Pennsylvania?

Figuring out Washington

• Group Four Readings: Permanent Alliances– Why is Washington concerned over the outbreak of war in Europe?– Why does Washington believe there is a need for immediate

action?– Why did Washington feel neutrality was the wisest course of

action?– According to Washington, was the Proclamation of Neutrality a

violation of the Franco-American alliance?– Why would Washington advise the nation to "steer clear of

permanent alliances?" In your opinion, was this good advice in the 1790s? Would you consider it a wise policy in today's world? Explain.

Judicial System• George Washington

created the Judicial system which provided:– Supreme Court with a

Chief Justice and 5 associate justices.

– Judiciary Act of 1789 – set up the structure of Supreme and Federal Courts

• Make policies & carry out laws• First Cabinet Consisted of:

– Vice President – John Adams– Secretary of State:

Thomas Jefferson– Secretary of Treasury:

Alexander Hamilton– Secretary of War:

Henry Knox– Chief Lawyer of Federal

Government: Edmond Randolph

Washington Creates the Cabinet

Hamilton’s Economic Plan

• His job – set the nation’s economy on a firm footing.

• His plan had two parts:– Plan to manage

America’s debts– Plan to establish a

national banking system.

Plan to Manage Debts• Millions in debt.

– 2/3 of American debt was held by the national government and 1/3 by individual states.

• Hamilton proposed that the federal government pay the debts of the states – this greatly angered the Southern states who had already paid their debts – they felt they would be taxed to pay off other states’ debts.

Plan for the National Bank• Funded by federal

government and wealthy private investors.

• The Bank of the U.S. would issue paper money and handle tax receipts and other government funds.– Very controversial –

opponents feared it would tie government finances to wealthy business interests.

• It was eventually established

The Birth of Political Parties

Hamilton vs. Jefferson Read the Background info and take detailed

notes in the chart for your assigned statesman. Then create a character collage of that person

representing their personality, beliefs and stance on political issues.

You must include at least 5 symbols/images, 3 key words or short phrases, 2 quotes that symbolize a key value or belief, and it must be neat, thoughtful, and colorful as to appeal to my aesthetics.

Alexander Hamilton (Federalist)

Supported a strong central government led by wealthy and educated

Key to a strong nation= commerce & industry

Established 1st National Bank- Bank of the United States

Loose interpretation of Constitution

Thomas Jefferson (Democratic Republicans)

Mistrusted a strong central government and the rich

Advocated for strong state governments

Society of farm citizens Strict interpretation of the

Constitution Supported by the “plain

people”

Whiskey Rebellion• Reflected tensions

between federal and regional interests.

• Frontier farmers who produced corn to be made into whiskey violently protested Hamilton’s tax on whiskey.

• Significance: showed the federal government could enforce the law in the western frontier.

Washington’s View…

He feared the two-party system because they were a danger to national unity.

Washington’s Legacy

• Washington held office for eight years.

• During this time he had no political party.

• Set the foundation for all American presidents to follow.