Mr. Feeney
US History 9
American System: Introduction
 In 1815, President James Madison presented a plan
to congress that would help unite the different
regions of the United States. President Madison
wanted to create a self-sufficient country that
would maintain a stable economy, and develop a
united country.
Three major points of the American System:
1. Developing transportation systems
2. Establishing a protective tariff
3. Resurrecting the national bank
American System: Definition
 What is Henry Clay’s American System?
House Speaker, Henry Clay coined the term
“American System” in 1815, after President Madison
created a plan to unite the Northern and Southern
economies. The President’s plan to unite the nation
was welcomed by the senate and the house, and
quickly a plan was set in place to employ this new
American System.
Think about it…
Task:
 Write down a paragraph that answers the following
question. Make sure you include at least three different
methods of economic reform. Include at least one
supporting statement for each method of reform.
1.
Imagine you are currently the President of the US, and
you have to create a plan for economic reform. How
would your American System help the US become
independent of other nations? Make sure that you are
creating a system that is fair and beneficial to all
regions of the US, and explain how your reform plan
helps the US economy.
North Economy: +/ Northern Economy: Strengths
1. The north had just experienced an Industrial
Revolution, and was producing manufactured goods.
2. New methods of transportation that brought
goods to and from the manufacturing north.
3. A new, national currency that enabled the north
to trade with the south and west.
 Northern Economy: Weaknesses
1. Poor soil, low crop production, few livestock.
Southern/Western Economy: +/ Southern/Western Economy: Strengths
1. Good and rich soil for plantation farming.
2. Increased slavery, increased productivity.
3. Use of the Mississippi River for transportation
of goods between the north and south economies.
• Southern/Western Economy: Weaknesses
1. No factories for manufacturing goods.
2. Heavy, intense labor needed to run the
plantations smoothly in the south.
Venn Diagram: North v. South
Task:
 Compare and contrast the northern and southern
economies using a Venn diagram. Use a (+) symbol for
a positive comparison, and use a (–) symbol for a
negative comparison.
 You should include at least three differences and three
similarities between the two economies.
 Make a concluding statement about the similarities
and differences of the two economies.
 Share the conclusion with the class or small group.
Transportation Developments
 1807- Robert Fulton’s Clermont makes its maiden
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voyage, 150 miles from New York City to Albany.
1811- Construction of the National Road begins
between Cumberland, MD and Vandalia, Il.
1825- Erie Canal opens a 363-mile waterway that
connects the Hudson River to Lake Erie.
1825- First steam locomotive was used to transport
goods across different regions of the country.
1838- National Road opens to the public, tolls are
required to help offset construction costs.
Protective Tariffs: Tariff of 1816
 1816- President James Madison proposes a tariff that
would tax all imported foreign goods.
1. The proposed tariff would help the American
manufacturing economy become more competitive
with the foreign markets, because the imposed tariff
would offset the prices of foreign/domestic goods.
2. The north encouraged the tariff because it would
improve the their economy and increase total profits.
3. The south and west discouraged the tariff because
they would have to pay more for the same products.
National Bank: Part II
 1816- The Second Bank of the United States (BUS) was
approved for a 20-year term by the Congress.
1. The bank charter would establish a national,
guaranteed currency, that would improve national
and regional trading of goods and services.
2. The national bank idea had been revived from the
presidency of George Washington, and had become
vastly popular among all regions of the country.
1816- James Monroe (VA) is elected US President.
1. Begins a new presidency, “Era of Good Feelings!”
American System: Congressional Proposal
 Task:
1. You will be assigned to work in a group of four.
2. You will choose a topic to research and present.
(ie: protective tariffs, national bank, transportation)
3. Assign tasks to each member of the group.
(ie: Team Leader, Scribe, Researcher, Presenter)
4. Use research materials to gather information about
your topic, and create a PowerPoint Presentation.
5. Present your group project to the class. (10 minutes)
American System: Congressional Proposal
 Imagine that your group is a committee of the congress,
and you are responsible for presenting a new method of
economic reform to the rest of the congress. Your
committee is responsible for persuading the rest of the
congress to pass your bill, so that it becomes a law as a part
of the new American System. Research persuasive, positive
information that would sway the congress in your favor;
but DO NOT present false information. Your presentation
should be 10-15 minutes long, and your PowerPoint you be
at least 10 slides in length, and document your resources.
 Remember your audience, all members will participate!
American System: Congressional Proposal
 Summative Research Project: 50 Points
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
*
Completed appropriate researchPowerPoint Presentation (10 slides)PERSUASIVE Presentation (15 min)ALL group members participationSpelling, grammar, mechanics-
10 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
50 points
Projects will be presented in class and collected for
grading this week. Save all projects to a USB drive!
American System: Congressional Proposal
Project Rubric:
..\USHistory9\Your Rubric_ Newscast - Presentation
and Planning _ American System_ Congres.doc _Hlk198019070
Resources:
1. Textbook, class notes, worksheets
2. Internet and library resources
3. Please ask about any additional resources not listed above.
Have fun and good luck!