THE
AMERICAN SYSTEM
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 selfsufficient country that would maintain a stable economy
without foreign products and develop a united country.
Three major points of the American System:
1. Establish a protective tariff
2. Establish a national bank
3. Developing transportation systems
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:
 Imagine you were the one who had created the plan
called the American System to help the U.S. become
independent of other nations. Write a letter to Congress
asking them to support your plan. Explain your 3 main
points AND provide at least one example for each to
show support of how it would work.