Transcript Document
Politics of the 1780s: Creating a New Government Articles of Confederation (1778-1789) • Strengths: What problems did it solve? • Weaknesses: What problems did its structure create? The Constitution Submitted to states in 1787 Ratified in 1788 Established Government in 1789 Statement: The Constitution was the result of a series of compromises that created a government acceptable to large and small states, as well as to free and slave states. • What evidence supports this claim? “Bundle of Compromises” • How to make big & small states happy? • The Great Compromise • How to avoid federal tyranny? • Separation of powers w/ “Checks & balances” • How to deal with the divisive issue of slavery? • 3/5ths Compromise & Slave Trade Ban • How to convince states rights critics to ratify the Constitution? • Bill of Rights Historiography • What is historiography? • Why do historians sometimes disagree on the interpretation of a historical event? • What are some variables that might affect historians’ perspectives? Prompt • Assess the validity of the assertion that the Constitution of 1787 was designed primarily to protect the interests of the wealthy class. The Federalist Era: 1788-1800 • Rise of Political Factions & Political Parties • Interpretation of elastic or “necessary & proper” clause divides early political factions • What were the main concerns/fears held by Federalists & Anti-Federalists (Republicans)? Federalists (Hamilton, Adams) • Nationalists • Urban • Business/Social Elite • Pro-British • Mainly Northern • “Loose Constructionist” Anti-Feds/ DemocraticRepublicans (Jefferson) • States’ Rights • Rural/Agr. Interests • “Common man” • Pro-French • Mainly South & West • “Strict Constructionist” Presidency of George Washington • • • • • Personal Conduct/Modesty Creates Cabinet Neutrality Proclamations 2 Terms Farewell Address—Warns of Foreign Entanglements & Political Factions • Invention of George Washington • “First in War, First in Peace, First in the Hearts of His Countrymen” Hamilton’s Economic Policies Proposals • Assume state debts • Establish income (tariff, land sales) • Regulate currency & banking (Bank of US) • Carry a national debt Results • Polarized political parties • Improved US credit abroad • BUS approved (20 years) • Whiskey Rebellion Presidency of Thomas Jefferson: 1801-1809 “Jeffersonian” Democracy • Role of yeoman farmer in republic • States’ rights must be protected • Freedom of speech is essential • Scope of federal government should be reduced Louisiana Purchase, 1803 • Largest territorial acquisition • Connected to Jefferson’s agricultural hopes for America/ port of New Orleans • Purchase violated Jefferson’ belief in strict constructionism • Napoleon’s role War of 1812 Causes • British impressments • Interference w/American commerce • British aid to Native Americans on frontier Consequences • Contributed to demise of federalist party • Intensified nationalist feelings • Promoted industrialization • Advanced career of Andrew Jackson