WASHINGTON &
ADAMS:
PRESIDENCIES
SWBAT: Describe precedents set
by Washington’s administration
Do Now
• Identify the three branches of the Federal
Government.
• Can you name any members of
Washington’s cabinet?
Right to Left:
Washington- President
Henry Knox- Sec. of War
Alexander Hamilton- Sec. of Treasury
Thomas Jefferson- Sec. of State
Edmund Randolph- Attorney General
Washington’s Presidency
• "I walk on untrodden ground…"
• 1789-1797
• Precedents Set:
• Cabinet within Executive Branch
• Policy of Neutrality
• 2-term Limit to Presidency
• Positive Relationship with Great Britain
• State of the Union, Farewell Address
• Presidential Retreat
Hamilton’s Financial Plan
• What was one of congress’ major
financial weaknesses under the
A.o.C?
• 3 Parts:
1.
2.
3.
Pay off debt & federal gov. will assume war
debt of states
High tariffs to protect domestic industry
Create a national bank to deposit funds &
print banknotes (dollars)
• Who would support this plan? Why?
Foreign Affairs
• French Revolution (Washington &
Adams)
• Proclamation of Neutrality (1793)
• Jefferson resigned from Cabinet
• Jay Treaty (1794)
• Jay sent to Britain to discuss an end
to British seizures of American ships
and impressment
• Britain agreed to leave posts on
western frontier of U.S.
• Angered Americans- issues not
addressed
Domestic Affairs
• Whiskey Rebellion (1794)
• Excise tax on whiskey was passed by
Congress
• Pennsylvania farmers refused to pay 
attacked revenue collectors
• Washington sent 15,000 militia men to
show force
 successful, almost no bloodshed
• Western farmers grew resentful at level
of force against common people
Political Parties Emerge
• Which statement do you agree with? Why?
A. “Political parties raise the public’s awareness of
issues for their involvement” - T. Jefferson
B. “Political parties are a conspiracy against the best
interests of the nations” - G. Washington
• NO mention in Constitution
• 1790s dominated by Federalist Party 
Federalist Era
• Parties emerged around two leaders:
Hamilton and Jefferson
FEDERALISTS
DEMOCRATICREPUBLICANS
Leaders
John Adams
Alexander Hamilton
Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
View of
Constitution
Interpret loosely
Create strong central gov
Interpret strictly
Create weak central gov
Foreign Policy
Pro-British
Pro-French
Military Policy
Develop large peacetime
army & navy
Develop small peacetime army
& navy
Economic Policy
Aid business, support high
tariffs, create national bank
Favor agriculture, oppose tariffs,
oppose a national bank
Supporters
Northern business owners
Large landowners
Skilled workers, small farmers,
plantations owners
Washington’s Farewell Address
• Letter addressed to the People,
published in newspapers
• Strong Suggestions:
• Do not get involved in European Affairs
• Do not make “permanent alliances” in
foreign affairs
• Do not form political parties
• Do not fall into sectionalism
• Select one piece of advice and
explain to what extent you agree
Adams’ Presidency
• Washington leaves office after 2 terms
• Adams v. Jefferson
• Adams wins by 3 electoral votes
• Jefferson became VP
Domestic Affairs
• XYZ Affair
• U.S. merchant ships seized by French
warships
• French officials (X, Y, and Z) requested bribes
from U.S. delegates to enter negotiations
• Reports infuriated Americans  wanted war
against France
• Adams resisted sentiments
b/c army and navy were not
strong enough
Domestic Affairs
• Alien and Sedition Acts
• Started with Naturalization Act:
increased years from 5 to 14 to
become a citizen
• Alien Acts: Power given to Pres. to
deport aliens considered dangerous &
an enemy in time of war
• Sedition Act: Made it illegal for
newspapers to criticize the President
or Congress; fines and imprisonment
enforced
Domestic Affairs
• Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
• Democratic-Republicans argued
the Alien and Sedition Acts
violated rights guaranteed by the
1st Amendment
• Thomas Jefferson and James
Madison wrote legislation to
nullify the acts in Kentucky and
Virginia
• Stated the Federal government
broke the “compact” it created
with the states
Revolution of 1800
• Election of 1800 = A Peaceful Revolution
• Federalists lost support during Adams’
presidency
• Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied for electoral votes
 Special Election in the House of Rep. to
break tie
 Hamilton urged his followers to give support
to Jefferson
• Passing of power from one political party to
another occurred peacefully
Wrap Up
• What stimulated the formation of
political parties in the U.S.? Explain.
• Which individuals or groups would
have supported the Kentucky and
Virginia Resolutions? Why?