The Early Republic
US I CP
This unit syllabus is a guide to class. It is subject to change. Check the website for any updates. Readings will be due the
date as indicated. Other homework assignments will be added as the unit progresses. You are expected to be prepared to
every class that includes bringing this syllabus.
In 1789, it was an open question whether the Constitution was a
workable plan of government. It was unclear whether the new nation
could establish a strong national government, a strong economy, or win
the respect of foreign nations. For a decade, the new nation battled
threats to its existence, including serious disagreements over domestic
and foreign policy and foreign interference with American shipping and
commerce. During the first 12 years under the new Constitution, the
Federalists established a strong and vigorous national government.
Alexander Hamilton’s economic program attracted foreign investment
and stimulated economic growth. The creation of political parties was
an unexpected development that involved the voting population in
politics. Presidents George Washington and John Adams succeeded in
keeping the nation free from foreign entanglements during the nation’s
first crucial years. Despite bitter party battles, threats of secession, and
foreign interference with American shipping and commerce, the new
nation had overcome every obstacle it had faced.
As president, Thomas Jefferson sought to implement his Republican principles, including a frugal, limited government;
respect for states' rights, and encouragement for agriculture. He cut military expenditures, paid off the public debt, and
repealed many taxes. His most important act was the purchase of Louisiana Territory, which nearly doubled the size of the
nation. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court established the principle of judicial review, which enables the courts to review the
constitutionality of federal laws and invalidate acts of Congress when they conflict with the Constitution. The Jeffersonian
era was marked by severe foreign policy challenges, including harassment of American shipping by North African pirates
and by the British and French. In an attempt to stave off war with Britain and France, the United States attempted various
forms of economic pressure. But in 1812--to protect American shipping and seamen, clear westerns lands of Indians, and
preserve national honor—the county once again waged war with Britain.
Date/Day
Monday, January 5
Day 3
Period 5
#1 George Washington’s Presidency
Pgs. 182-183
Period 8
#1 George Washington’s Presidency
Pgs. 182-183
Tuesday, January 6
Day 4
Hamilton’s Financial Plan vs.
Thomas Jefferson
Pgs. 184-186
Hamilton’s Financial Plan vs. Thomas
Jefferson
Pgs. 184-186
Wednesday, January 7
Day 1
Thursday, January 8
Day 2
Friday, January 9
Day 3
Monday, January 12
Day 4
First Political Parties vs. Political
Parties Today
Pgs. 186-187
DROP
DROP
First Political Parties vs. Political
Parties Today
Pgs. 186-187
Foreign Affairs Trouble the New
Nation
Pgs. 190-194
Foreign Affairs Trouble the New
Nation
Pgs. 190-194
#2 John Adams and the XYZ Affair
Pgs. 194-196
#2 John Adams and the XYZ Affair
Pgs. 194-196
Tuesday, January 13
Day 1
From Adams to #3 Thomas Jefferson
Pgs. 196-199
Wednesday, January 14
Day 2
DROP
Thursday, January 15
Day 3
Friday, January 16
Day 4
Monday, January 19
NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, January 20
Day 1
Wednesday, January 21
Day 2
DROP
From Adams to #3 Thomas Jefferson
Pgs. 196-199
Open Notebook Quiz!
Open Notebook Quiz!
John Marshall and the Supreme
Court
Pg. 199
John Marshall and the Supreme Court
Pg. 199
#4 James Madison Presidency
#4 James Madison Presidency
NO SCHOOL
Lewis and Clarke
Louisiana Purchase
Pgs. 200-201
DROP
NO SCHOOL
DROP
Lewis and Clarke
Louisiana Purchase
Pgs. 200-201
Thursday, January 22
Day 3
War of 1812
Pgs. 202-205
War of 1812
Pgs. 202-205
Friday, January 23
Day 4
War of 1812
Pgs. 202-205
War of 1812
Pgs. 202-205
Monday, January 26
Day 1
Tuesday, January 27
Day 2
Wednesday, January 28
Day 3
#5 James Monroe Presidency
DROP
DROP
#5 James Monroe Presidency
100pt. Unit Test – the entire unit!
Use notes, ebook, readings, classwork,
and quizzes to help study!
100pt. Unit Test – the entire unit!
Use notes, ebook, readings, classwork,
and quizzes to help study!
Study Guide Due
Study Guide Due