The Early Republic
This section covers events from 1789 (establishment of constitutional government) through the start
of the War of 1812. It concerns the creation of the new governmental system; there are several
aspects that aren’t spelled out in the constitution that need to be worked out. It’s divided into two
roughly equal periods: the Federalist Era (1789-1800, during which the Federalist Party was the
majority) and the Jeffersonian Era (1800-1812, when the Democratic-Republican Party dominated the
government). We will examine the struggle to define and develop our government, and during this
period how two men, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, developed quite different views on
what government should be like and fought to have their views become the reality.
Reading:
Read the Outline carefully; from Johnson and Zinn get only the answers to the questions below.

Outline: pages 77-85

Johnson: Part 2 “The Presidency…” through “The Louisiana Purchase”

Zinn: He’s just not much interested in government’s doings. NO READING
Homework Questions
1.
2.
3.
4.
What were the biggest issues the new government had to face?
What policies did Hamilton pursue, and what alternatives were proposed by Jefferson & Madison?
What major problems did Adams face during his administration?
What did Jefferson propose to change, and how successful was he?
Lecture Notes
1. Washington’s Administration
a. GW: President
b. Setting up the Government
i.
Rights & Taxes
ii.
The Cabinet
c. Hamilton vs. Jefferson
2. Rise of the First Party System
a. Domestic Policy
i.
Economic Issues
ii.
Growth of Government
b. Foreign Policy
i.
French Revolution
ii.
Citizen Genet
c. Federalists vs Dem-Reps
3. John Adams’ Problems
a. Adams vs Jefferson I
b. European War/Quasi-War
c. Alien & Sedition Acts
4. The Jeffersonian Era
a. Adams vs Jefferson 2
b. The Jeffersonian Revolution
i.
Small Government
ii.
Farming
c. The Louisiana Purchase
d. Indians & Assimilation