AP United States
History
Unit 3
Forming the New Nation
Focus on while Reading:
• The Strengths and Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
• The difference between the Federalist and Antifederalist views on
government and how they would lead to the formation of political
parties.
• The Compromises that were reached that made construction of the
Constitution possible.
• The role played by the Bill of Rights in the ratification of the
Constitution and why written guarantees of rights was so important
to the Antifederalists.
• The economic plan developed by Alexander Hamilton to deal with
the new nation’s economic issues.
• The Controversy surrounding the National Bank and Protective
Tariffs.
• How the Marshall Court expanded powers of the Federal
Government.
• Issues related to the disrespect shown to the infant United States by
foreign powers such as Britain, France, and Spain.
Introduction
• When the Proposal was made to declare independence from Great
Britain in June of 1776 (Later adopted in July) it was also proposed
that a new government based on a Confederation of the States be
created. This new government would become the Articles of
Confederation.
• The Articles of Confederation were approved by all the states by
1781, but by 1787 it was clear that they were insufficient to properly
govern the new nation.
• A convention of the States was called to revise the Articles of
Confederation, but it was soon clear that something entirely
different needed to be created.
• The New Government quickly set out to create and establish the
three branches of government, deal with key political and economic
issues, and handle problems in dealing with foreign powers such as
Britain, France, and Spain.
Unit 3.1: The Articles of Confederation were a
first step towards government, maybe not
such a good one.
• What problems faced the new nation in terms
of creating a government that could unify the
various States without causing a
“counterrevolution”?
• How did the major features of the Articles of
Confederation seek to address these issues?
• How did the successes of the Articles of
Confederation compare to the failures of this
first attempt at Government?
• How did the Articles of Confederation effect
America’s standing in the World Community?
Unit 3.1: The Articles of Confederation were a
first step towards government, maybe not
such a good one.
• What problems faced the new nation in terms of creating a government
that could unify the various States without causing a “counterrevolution”?
• The biggest issue that faced the framers of the Articles of Confederation was where
supreme power would lie: in the hands of the States or in the hands of a Central
Government.
• It would not be until the end of the American Civil War that this issue would finally be
resolved.
• You have to remember that they were fighting a Revolution against a strong central
government which had tyrannized them for many years, the idea that they would
willingly choose to create a strong central government to rule over them was
ludicrous.
• Other issues included:
• Would the Congress be Bicameral or Unicameral?
• How would representation in this body be apportioned?
• Would the larger states pay more taxes?
• The issue that held up ratification for four years was Virginia and New York’s land
claims in the west.
• The bottom line was: what was their actual intent when they created the United
States of America?
Unit 3.1: The Articles of Confederation were a
first step towards government, maybe not
such a good one.
• How did the major features of the Articles of Confederation seek to address
these issues?
• If the Central Government is not going to be given sufficient power to deal with the
nation’s problems, why have a central government at all? Clearly we saw the need for a
unified United States of America, we just were not ready to accept what that meant.
• Components of the Articles of Confederation:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A Unicameral Legislation
Congress has no authority to impose taxes
Each State has one vote in Congress
No National Court System
No Uniform Currency
No Chief Executive
9 of 13 States have to agree in order pass any new legislation
All 13 have to agree in order to amend the Articles of Confederation
No authority to regulate interstate or foreign trade
• Problems immediately facing the new nation:
• To destroy any infant industry in the U.S., Great Britain began flooding the American market with
cheaper manufactured goods.
• Infrastructure was in a state of neglect (roads, bridges, canals, etc.)
• No uniform currency drove up inflation (no tangible value could be attached to money in the U.S.)
• State trade restrictions meant that interstate trade was severely limited
Unit 3.1: The Articles of Confederation were a
first step towards government, maybe not
such a good one.
• How did the successes of the Articles of Confederation compare to the
failures of this first attempt at Government?
• Successes:
• Carrying out the Revolution and negotiating the Treaty of Paris of 1783.
• Settling disputes over land claims in the west (particularly those of Virginia and New York)
were key to prevent conflict between the States in this vital post-war era.
• Some states claimed land all the way to the Pacific Ocean, Virginia claimed land in what is today
Minnesota, and several states would have been pinned down against the Atlantic Ocean with
no hope of expansion.
• Land Ordinance of 1785
• This ordinance established a precedent for how future townships would be surveyed, how best
to utilize public lands, and for government support for public education
• 1/6 of the money from the sale of public lands would go toward establishing public education
systems.
• Northwest Ordinance (Land Ordinance of 1787)
• Established a methodical process for advancing each territory toward statehood.
• Unorganized territories would be overseen by a government appointee
• Once the population reached 5,000 people they could elect a state legislature and send a
representative to Congress.
• Once the population reached 60,000 they could draft a state constitution and apply for
statehood.
• Five states would eventually be created from the “Northwest Territory”.
Unit 3.1: The Articles of Confederation were a
first step towards government, maybe not
such a good one.
• How did the successes of the Articles of Confederation compare to the failures
of this first attempt at Government?
• Failures:
• Enforcing and Cooperating with the Treaty of Paris of 1783
• The Congress did not reimburse Loyalists for their lost property and did not facilitate the
collection of debts owed by American citizens to British creditors.
• King George III refused to pull British troops out of forts and trade posts in the Ohio
River Valley and the new Congress was powerless to do anything about it.
• Establishing the United States favorably in the World Community
• The new Congress quarreled with Spain over navigation rights to the Mississippi River
and territorial claims to what would eventually become Tennessee and Kentucky.
• Both Britain and Spain actively sought ways to prevent the United States from expanding
to the west and growing their power.
• Dealing with the massive debt that arose from waging the American Revolution.
• With no power to tax, the States were left to deal with their debts on their own, some
states took to taxing their citizens (especially farmers) very heavily.
• In Massachusetts angry farmers rebelled in Massachusetts (led by Daniel Shays) in an
effort to shut down the state’s court system and prevent foreclosures.
• Shays’s Rebellion was eventually crushed, but all the “rebels” were pardoned and
Massachusetts did change its tax laws.
• This event would later have a deep influence on the call to form the Federal System with
a stronger central government that could prevent future rebellions.
Unit 3.1: The Articles of Confederation were a
first step towards government, maybe not
such a good one.
• How did the Articles of Confederation effect America’s
standing in the World Community?
• The disunity that was plaguing the new nation was raising
eyebrows in Europe.
• Our inability to force the British out of the Ohio River Valley, to
effectively negotiate navigation rights to the Mississippi River,
and to cooperate with each other State to State for the best
interest of the nation all contributed to a general disrespect for
the United States in European circles.
• The Europeans reasoned that since the individual states were
embroiled in trade disputes, commercial agreements with the
United States would be at best questionable.
Unit 3.2: The creation of a new Constitution created
some division within a struggling nation.
• Describe early attempts to revise the Articles of
Confederation and their shortcomings.
• What were the goals of the Framers of the Constitution and
how did division between the interests of the Large States
and Small States place these in jeopardy?
• What role did compromise play in moving the Constitutional
process forward?
• Describe the difference between the Federalists and
Antifederalists and describe the role played by the Bill of
Rights in the ratification of the Constitution.
Unit 3.2: The creation of a new Constitution
created some division within a struggling
nation.
• Describe early attempts to revise the Articles of
Confederation and their shortcomings.
• The Alexandria Conference (1785)
• Delegates from Virginia and Maryland met to discuss ways to
improve navigation and commerce on the Potomac River. They
decided to invite delegates from the other states to a meeting in
Annapolis, Maryland to discuss commerce on a national level.
• The Annapolis Conference (1786)
• Eight states sent delegates to this conference, but only five arrived
on time.
• Despite poor attendance, it was obvious that there was strong
sentiment across the nation that the Articles of Confederation had
to be revised.
• James Madison and Alexander Hamilton took it upon themselves to
invite delegates to a national convention in Philadelphia.
Unit 3.2: The creation of a new Constitution
created some division within a struggling
nation.
• What were the goals of the Framers of the Constitution and how did division
between the interests of the Large States and Small States place these in
jeopardy?
• Despite being divided over certain issues, the delegates (especially motivated by
the results of Shays’s Rebellion) had some common interests in creating a more
effective governing body.
• Goals of the Framers:
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•
•
•
Prevent a “tyranny of the Majority”
Prevent a “tyranny of the Minority”
Create sufficient powers to foster both short- and long-term economic growth
Formulate and conduct a more effective foreign policy
• Interests of the Large States:
• Bicameral Legislature (lower house elected by the people who would then appoint
members to an upper house), an elected Chief Executive (President) that would serve
only one term, creation of a judiciary system, and creation of a stronger central
government while maintaining some aspects of the Articles of Confederation.
• These became part of what became known as the Virginia Plan
• Interests of the Small States:
• Unicameral Legislation with equal representation for all states, an Executive (with no
veto power), and creation of a judiciary that could decide cases originated in State
Courts.
• This becomes known as the New Jersey Plan
Unit 3.2: The creation of a new Constitution
created some division within a struggling
nation.
• What role did compromise play in moving the Constitutional process
forward?
• The Commerce Compromise
• The South agreed to federal control of foreign and interstate trade
• The importation of slaves would be permitted for twenty more years (ending in
1808; but that does not mean slavery ended in 1808)
• The federal government was given the authority to collect import taxes (tariffs),
but their would be no duties on exports.
• The Great (Connecticut) Compromise
• The representation of states in the House of Representatives (lower house of the
legislature) would be based on population size.
• The representation of states in the Senate (upper house of the legislature) would
be equal: two per state.
• All money bills must originate in the House of Representatives
• Direct taxes on states were to be assessed according to population
• The Three-Fifths Compromise
• Three-Fifths of a state’s slave population would be counted for purposes of
taxation and representation.
• A fugitive slave law requiring all runaway slaves to be returned to their owners
Unit 3.2: The creation of a new Constitution
created some division within a struggling
nation.
• Describe the difference between the Federalists and Antifederalists and describe the role
played by the Bill of Rights in the ratification of the Constitution.
• Federalists
• Support typically came from coastal and urban areas and from the upper class.
• Prominent members included George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, Ben
Franklin, and John Jay.
• They favored a strong central government to maintain peace and stability and the strengthening of
the Union.
• Antifederalists
• Support typically came from rural agricultural areas, people suffering from debt, and those
philosophically opposed to a strong central government.
• Prominent leaders included Patrick Henry, John Hancock, and George Mason, and Thomas
Jefferson
• They opposed a central government that did not guarantee protection of individual rights. They
believed that the Constitution subordinated States’ Rights
• What’s the big deal about the Bill of Rights?
• The Federalists saw no need for a Bill of Rights: The government was elected by the people, the
delegated powers already limited the potential for abuse, and that by enumerating the rights of
citizens they were in fact limiting their rights.
• The Antifederalists contended that a Bill of Rights was absolutely essential to protecting the
people against the people against tyranny.
• The deadlock was broken and the Constitution ratified when the delegates promised to add the
Bill of Rights as a set of amendments once the constitution was ratified.
Unit 3.3: Intellectual influences on the
Framers of the Constitution
• What “revolutions” in human thought deeply
influenced the framers of the Constitution?
• How did the founders’ views on religion
influence their thoughts on government?
• In what ways did the founders pull from the
Enlightenment to create the new constitution?
• Provide some examples of how these ideas are
found in the Constitution itself.
Unit 3.3: Intellectual influences on the
Framers of the Constitution
• What “revolutions” in human thought deeply
influenced the framers of the Constitution?
• The Scientific Revolution gave the world Galileo’s
astronomical telescope and Leeuwenhoek’s
microscope.
• Inventions such as these gave a new understanding to the
workings of heavenly and human bodies.
• The evidence they collected indicated that everything in the
Universe was governed by certain Natural Laws.
• Think of the Heart and how it is composed of different
chambers , which all must function together in order to
work.
Revolutions in Thought
Unit 3.3: Intellectual influences on the
Framers of the Constitution
• How did the founders’ views on religion
influence their thoughts on government?
• Revolutionary thinkers like Jefferson and Franklin
believed God created the Universe but left it to man
to identify the laws of the Universe.
• They concluded that God defined perfection,
therefore everything he created should exist in a
state of equilibrium.
• Since man was created in God’s image, everything
they created (such as a political system) should
reflect that equilibrium.
Unit 3.3: Intellectual influences on the
Framers of the Constitution
• In what ways did the founders pull from the
Enlightenment to create the new constitution?
• The Enlightenment expanded the Framers’
knowledge of natural law and how it governed
human behavior.
• Newton’s laws of motion: for every action there is
an equal and opposite reaction
• John Calvin: Human nature could not be trusted
because men are selfish, greedy, and evil.
• Thomas Hobbes: Since man is basically evil, he
requires a strong and powerful government to
control his inclinations.
Calvin, Newton, and Hobbes
Unit 3.3: Intellectual influences on the
Framers of the Constitution
• Provide some examples of how these ideas are found in
the Constitution itself.
• Bicameralism
• Dividing the legislature into an upper and lower house allows each
to check the authority of the other.
• Federalism
• Power is divided between a federal government and the states,
although federal power is paramount. The states do have certain
reserved powers such as overseeing elections and others
enumerated in the Tenth Amendment. The Federal government has
certain delegated powers such as declaring war, borrowing money,
making all laws “necessary and proper”.
• Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances (see next slide)
Unit 3.3: Intellectual influences on the
Framers of the Constitution
• Provide some examples of how these ideas are found in the Constitution
itself.
• Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances (see next slide)
• Legislative Branch
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•
•
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Set and collect taxes, borrow money, regulate trade, and coin money
Set up the Postal Service and issue patents and copyrights
Declare war
Raise and maintain an Army and Navy
• Executive Branch
• Carry out and enforce the laws passed by Congress
• Make Treaties
• Serve as the Commander-in-Chief
• Judicial Branch
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•
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Establish the Supreme Court and lower Courts
Specify the kinds of cases that could be heard in Federal Court
Defined the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
Defined acts of treason and set the requirements for conviction
Unit 3.3: Intellectual influences on the
Framers of the Constitution
• Provide some examples of how these ideas are found in the
Constitution itself.
• Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances (see next slide)
• Legislative Branch
• Approve Presidential appointments
• Override Presidential vetoes
• Impeach the President
• Executive Branch
• Veto Acts of Congress
• Make appointments to the Cabinet, Federal Courts, Supreme Court, etc.
• Judicial Branch
• Serve for life
• Judicial Review allows the court to determine the constitutionality of
Acts of Congress
Practice Question #1
1. Which one of the following was a major success of the
Articles of Confederation?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
They ended the French and Indian War
They led to the creation of a powerful United States Navy
They paved the way for closer economic ties with Great Britain
They devised land policies that would allow for the systematic
incorporation of new states into the union
They resolved the dispute over the powers of the central
government and the powers of the States
Practice Question #2
2. Of the following list of political leaders, which one was
strongly opposed to the plan of government created by the
delegates of the Philadelphia Convention?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Patrick Henry
George Washington
James Madison
Benjamin Franklin
Alexander Hamilton
Practice Question #3
3. Which of the following is not a feature of the Articles of
Confederation?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
They called for a bicameral legislature
Unanimity was required to amend the Articles of Confederation
Nine of thirteen states were required to pass legislation
There was no national court system
Each state had one vote in Congress
Practice Question #4
4. Shays’s Rebellion did which of the following?
A. Convinced many political leaders of the destructive
consequences of a strong central government
B. Was eventually suppressed when the federal government sent
troops to Massachusetts
C. Convinced some political leaders of the necessity of giving
more power to the central government
D. Came about when American settlers clashed with the British
over western land claims
E. Was organized by the antifederalists who sought to prevent
ratification of the Constitution
Practice Question #5
5. Which important controversy was resolved by the Great
(Connecticut) Compromise?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Western land claims
Representation in Congress
No National Currency
No National military
Weak Judicial Branch
Practice Question #6
6. Powers granted to the Federal Government under the U.S.
Constitution are expressed as which of the following?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Enumerated Powers
Checks and Balances
Reserved Powers
Executive Powers
Unicameral legislature
Practice Question #7
7. All of the following are true regarding the antifederalists
except which one?
A. Their important leaders included John Hancock and Patrick
Henry
B. Their political support came mostly from backcountry and
agricultural areas
C. Debtors were supporters of the antifederalists
D. They were opposed to a strong central government
E. They maintained there was no need for a Bill of Rights
Practice Question #8
8. The Federalist Papers did which of the following?
A. Were written by opponents of the Constitution, who feared
that a tyrannical government would be a consequence of
ratification.
B. Were the intellectual ideas that shaped the creation of the
Articles of Confederation
C. Were written by those who advocated maintaining the Articles
of Confederation
D. Claimed that under the Articles of Confederation the States had
too much power compared with the central government
E. Attempted to calm the anxieties many had about the powers
granted to the central government under the constitution
Practice Question #9
9. North Carolina refused to ratify the Constitution:
A. Because the government under the Articles of Confederation
had not yet determined the status of its western land claims
B. Until Congress imposed a boycott on the state
C. Until the government removed British Forts from its western
frontier
D. Unless a Bill of Rights would eventually be added
E. Until it was ratified by the other Southern states
Practice Question #10
10. Which part of the government was not as fully developed as
the others by the delegates to the Constitutional
Convention?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Judicial Branch
State Department
House of Representatives
Senate
Executive Branch
Answer Key
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
D
A
A
C
B
A
E
E
D
A
Unit 3.4: The debate between Alexander Hamilton
and Thomas Jefferson would shape the early republic
• How did Alexander Hamilton’s plan for
the nation propose to deal with many of
the nation’s problems?
• How did Hamilton’s Plan lead to the
creation of the nation’s first political
parties?
• What words of advice did President
George Washington leave for the nation
in his famous “Farewell Address”.
Unit 3.4: The debate between Alexander
Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson would shape
the early republic
• How did Alexander Hamilton’s plan for the nation propose to deal with
many of the nation’s problems?
• Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury and as such advocated the
accumulation of capital and expansion of the economy.
• Hamilton’s focus was to nurture the development of the nation’s manufacturing
sector.
• Hamilton’s plan had four parts:
• The Tariff of 1789
• Would provide the government with much needed revenue and protect American industry by
forcing foreign competitors to raise their prices
• The Report on Public Credit
• Hamilton was able to get the Assumption Bill passed through Congress . The Southern States
had opposed it, but they relented after the Capital was moved from New York City to
Washington DC.
• The Assumption Bill allowed the Federal Government to pay off the nation’s domestic debts at
face value and raised the nation’s credit rating.
• The Report on Manufacturing
• This led to the passage of an excise tax on specific products (like whiskey) and various internal
improvements (the National Road and Erie Canal were examples).
• The Creation of a National Bank
• Hamilton’s vision was that a National Bank (The Bank of the United States) would provide
loans to Capitalist class and stabilize the nation’s currency.
Alexander Hamilton
Unit 3.4: The debate between Alexander
Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson would shape
the early republic
• How did Hamilton’s Plan lead to the creation of the nation’s first
political parties?
• The debate over Hamilton’s economic plan and the rationalization of the
“Elastic” clause (Necessary and Proper Clause) led to the formation of the
nation’s first political parties.
• The Federalists
• The Federalists believed in a government run by the wealthy elite and centered on the
development of American Capitalism.
• They were led by Alexander Hamilton and they distrusted the common man.
• They favored a “loose” interpretation of the Constitution (the basis for the “Elastic”
Clause) and limited voting rights.
• Most of their support came from the urban areas of the Northeast
• The Democratic-Republicans
• The Democratic-Republicans believed in a government rooted in the “common man” and
believed the future of the United States was in agrarian (agricultural) society.
• They were led by Thomas Jefferson and they distrusted the wealthy elite and their
selfish motives and willingness to manipulate the government for their own advance.
• They favored a “strict” interpretation of the Constitution and increased voting rights.
• Most of their support came from the rural areas of the South
Unit 3.4: The debate between Alexander
Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson would shape
the early republic
• What words of advice did President George Washington leave
for the nation in his famous “Farewell Address”.
• After serving his second term George Washington chose to leave office (setting a
precedent that would stand for 100 years until Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected
for four terms) and presented a famous “Farewell Address” to the nation.
• In his Farewell Address Washington stated that:
• Maintaining national unity was imperative (prevent the disunity caused by
sectionalism, interest groups, and class warfare).
• Obeying and supporting the principles and authority of the Constitution was
essential the stability of the new government.
• That the nation should avoid the divisive nature of Political Parties.
• Creating permanent alliances with foreign powers would entangle the United
States in foreign conflicts .
• There were some who favored an alliance with Great Britain to further enhance trade
opportunities.
• Others favored an alliance with France in repayment for their assistance during the
Revolution (“forgive us Lord if we forget the sacred sword of Lafayette”)
Washington’s Farewell Address
Unit 3.5: The new nation faces both
foreign and domestic challenges
• How did settling treaties with European powers
enhance American economic and political
development?
• What efforts were made by the Federalist Party
to stifle opposition and maintain their power in
the new government, even at the expense of
the Constitution?
• What was the response to the efforts of the
Federalists and how, if successful, would these
responses have effected the new government?
Unit 3.5: The new nation faces both foreign
and domestic challenges
• How did settling treaties with European powers enhance American
economic and political development?
• Washington’s administration faced some very serious early challenges.
• After implementation of the excise tax on Whiskey, Western Pennsylvania corn
farmers threatened secession rather than pay the tax.
• Washington personally led a Federal Militia to Pennsylvania and put down the Whiskey
Rebellion without a single loss of life.
• The settlement of the Whiskey Rebellion demonstrated the new Federal Government’s
commitment to enforce its laws.
• First the French Revolution provided an interesting opportunity to become
involved in European Affairs.
• The French revolutionaries were at war with the monarchy and hoped to create a
Republic, consequently many Americans sympathized with the French Revolutionaries
(however, that support faded during the “Reign of Terror”)
• Then when Britain and France went to war again, the United States found itself
divided over which side to support.
• France’s Minister to the United States, Edmond Genet, violated protocol by bypassing
Washington and appealing directly to the American public for support against the British
(Washington demanded he be recalled to France)
• Washington settled both by issuing the Neutrality Proclamation
The Whiskey Rebellion and the
French Revolution
Unit 3.5: The new nation faces both foreign
and domestic challenges
• How did settling treaties with European powers enhance American
economic and political development?
• The Washington Administration signed two treaties that
somewhat calmed America’s relationship with Britain and Spain.
• Jay’s Treaty with Great Britain made some favorable progress on
the British presence in the Northwest Territory, but the British
refused to guarantee that the impressment of American merchant
sailors into the British Navy would cease.
• Jay’s Treaty enraged those that supported France, and demonstrated
Britain’s lack of respect for the new nation and the rights of neutrals.
• Even though the Treaty did get the British to evacuate their forts in the
Northwest Territory, allowing them to maintain their trade posts enraged
western fur traders.
• Pinckney’s Treaty with Spain granted navigation rights to American
merchants , granted right of deposit (transfer of goods) in New
Orleans without having to pay a tax to Spain, and the Spanish
promised to stop inciting Native American tribes to violence.
Unit 3.5: The new nation faces both foreign
and domestic challenges
• What efforts were made by the Federalist Party to stifle opposition
and maintain their power in the new government, even at the
expense of the Constitution?
• The Adams Presidency was a particularly turbulent experience for the Federalist
Party.
• John Adams had won the Presidency by a very narrow margin and then was
saddled with Thomas Jefferson as a Vice President (his political arch
enemy).
• Adams’ own party deferred not to him, but to Alexander Hamilton for
direction.
• When the U.S. refused to back the French in their war against the British
they began attacking American shipping. When Adams sent a delegation to
negotiate a settlement, they were met by the demand for a $250,000 bribe
and millions in loans. This insult led to the Quasi War (an undeclared naval
war in the Caribbean) and became known as the XYZ Affair.
• Adams did his best, despite the demands of his own party, to maintain
Washington’s policy of neutrality.
• Hamilton used the issues with the French to move the U.S. toward a closer
economic relationship with Great Britain.
• The Convention of 1800 ended the Franco-American Alliance of 1778
Were we at war, or not?
Unit 3.5: The new nation faces both foreign
and domestic challenges
• What efforts were made by the Federalist Party to stifle opposition and
maintain their power in the new government, even at the expense of the
Constitution?
• The Federalists used their influence in Congress to move toward stifling
criticism and opposition from the Democratic-Republicans. Inspired by
Hamilton, the Federalists passed the Alien and Sedition Acts to neutralize any
challenges to their power.
• The Naturalization Act
• Aimed to silence criticism from French and Irish immigrants, it raised the residency
requirement for citizenship from 5 to 14 years.
• The Alien (Friends) Act
• Gave the President the authority to deport anyone he felt to be a threat to the United States.
• The Alien Enemies Act
• Provided for the deportation or imprisonment of individuals during a time of war
• The Sedition Act
• Writing, speaking, or publishing criticism of the government was at the least a misdemeanor
and at worst treasonous.
• Without question the Alien and Sedition Acts violated the First Amendment.
Unit 3.5: The new nation faces both foreign
and domestic challenges
• What was the response to the efforts of the Federalists and how, if
successful, would these responses have effected the new government?
• In the same year the Alien and Sedition Acts were passed the Virginia and Kentucky
legislatures (at the urging of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison respectively)
passed Resolutions establishing the concept of nullification through the “compact”
theory of government.
• The “Compact” Theory was based heavily on the concept of States’ Rights.
• The Federal Government was created by the States
• There are instances when conflicts arise between the rights of the States and the authority
of the Federal Government
• When these conflicts occur, the rights of the States take precedence over the actions and
laws of the Federal Government
• The States have the right to declare acts of the Federal Government null and void, and
therefore they do not have to apply those laws in their states.
• After winning a majority in Congress during the election of 1800 the DemocraticRepublicans repealed the Alien and Sedition Acts.
• Despite the damage to their reputation, the Federalists did:
• Strengthen the Federal Government
• Establish a sound fiscal system
• Diversified and strengthened the economy
Unit 3.6: The Jeffersonian
Revolution of 1800
• What were some key components of the
election of 1800?
• How did Jefferson’s Presidency
dramatically change the nature of the
office from the administration’s of
Washington and Adams?
• Describe some of the major events that
took place during the presidency of
Thomas Jefferson.
Unit 3.6: The Jeffersonian
Revolution of 1800
• What were some key components of the election of 1800?
• The election of 1800 represented a fundamental shift in American
politics and a model for “peaceful revolution” as power changed from
one party to the other without a coup of some sort.
• Ironically, Jefferson received significant assistance in his election campaign
from Alexander Hamilton, who considered Jefferson the lesser of two evils
compared to his opponent Aaron Burr.
• Hamilton’s differences with Burr would ultimately lead to a famous dual that
resulted in Hamilton’s death.
• John Adams did everything he could do to obstruct the future presidency of
Thomas Jefferson.
• The best example of this obstruction was the appointment of the “Midnight
Judges”, a group of Federal Court appointees that were named and confirmed in
the last days (even hours) of the Adams Administration.
• Adams, and other Federalists, hoped these appointments (coupled with Federalist
Chief Justice John Marshall on the Supreme Court) would prevent Jefferson from
radically restructuring the government or the economy.
Can’t we all just get along?
Unit 3.6: The Jeffersonian
Revolution of 1800
• How did Jefferson’s Presidency dramatically change the
nature of the office from the administration’s of Washington
and Adams?
• “Jeffersonian democracy” was centered around the interests of the
common man, the farmer, and the increased democratization of
America.
• Jefferson was anti-capitalistic, favoring limitations on industry and
corporate farming (he believed in the citizen farmer, the subsistence
farmer)
• A Francophile, Jefferson moved the nation back toward a more positive
relationship with France
• Jefferson was less formal than George Washington and John Adams had
been and tried to bring this “commoner” lifestyle to the White House.
• Jefferson did hold as many State Dinners, Formal Affairs, he typically wore
casual clothing, and oftentimes answered the door at the Capital himself.
Unit 3.6: The Jeffersonian Revolution of 1800
• Describe some of the major events that took place during the presidency of Thomas
Jefferson.
• Jefferson, in general, followed the precedent of Washington and Adams
continuing the foreign policy of neutrality.
• He used the policy of neutrality to further cut spending on defense, eliminate the
excise tax, and cut the Federal Budget.
• The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 was the most significant event of Jefferson’s first
term.
• With war on the horizon with Great Britain and the loss of its Colony in Haiti,
Napoleon was desperate to get rid of Louisiana.
• Despite his belief in the “strict” interpretation of the Constitution and
devotion to “small d” democracy, Jefferson saw the price France was asking
for too good a deal to pass up.
• The purchase of Louisiana doubled the size of the nation, gave the U.S.
control of the Mississippi River and the Port of New Orleans, and inspired the
(later) Manifest Destiny movement.
• The Expedition of Lewis and Clark established that the territory was rich in
various resources, that there were no major obstacles to expansion into the
region, and that the Pacific Ocean was now “reachable”
• Rather than continue paying tribute to the Pasha of Tripoli (organizer of the
Barbary Coast Pirates) to stop the seizing of American merchant ships, Jefferson
sent United States Marines to invade Tripoli and end the attack on U.S. merchant
shipping.
Unit 3.6: The Jeffersonian Revolution of 1800
• Describe some of the major events that took place during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson.
• The conflict between Britain and France began to intensify in 1805 and the United States
hoped to “cash in” by supplying both sides, but when Britain implemented a Naval
Blockade of European Ports events began to spiral out of control.
• Britain’s primary aim was to cut off the lucrative Franco-American trade.
• The Essex Decision
• Trade closed during peacetime could not be opened during wartime
• The French West Indies had been closed to American merchants during the Quasi
War (which remember was never a declared war), so trade there should be closed
during the Anglo-French War.
• The Chesapeake Incident
• The British Warship (HMS Leopard) fired on, stopped, and took crew from the
U.S.S. Chesapeake.
• This was viewed by many Americans as an act of war.
• Orders in Council (1806 and 1807)
• Britain ordered a Blockade of European Ports, preventing neutral nations from
trade in Europe.
• Berlin Decree
• France ordered Blockade of British Ports
• Milan Decree
• France declared that it would seize any ships that obeyed Britain’s “Orders in
Council”
Unit 3.6: The Jeffersonian Revolution of 1800
• Describe some of the major events that took place during the
presidency of Thomas Jefferson.
• Jefferson, and his successor James Madison, attempted numerous
peaceful solutions to the problems that were mounting the Great
Britain. Their main aim was attack them commercially.
• The Nonintercourse Act of 1806
• Halted the importation of many British goods, did little to no harm to the British.
• Embargo Act of 1807
• Halted all foreign trade, nearly killed the New England shipping industry to the
outrage of the Federalist Party.
• The Nonintercourse Act of 1809
• Re-opened trade with non-belligerents (those not at war) and would open trade
with Britain or France if those nations would lift their trade restrictions on the U.S.
• Macon’s Bill No. 2 (1810)
• James Madison promised to resume trade with whichever nation first halted
violations of American shipping rights.
• Napoleon falsely promised to repeal the Berlin and Milan Acts and the U.S.
resumed trade relations with France.
• Britain was in the process of ending the policy of impressment when the U.S.
declared War.
Unit 3.7: The Marshall Court
expands Federal Power
• What main tenets became key aspects of
the “Marshall Court”?
• How did John Marshall use the case of
Marbury v. Madison to establish the
Supreme Court as a vehicle for influencing
American politics?
• Describe the major Court decisions that
would expand the power of the Federal
Government and how they would do so.
Unit 3.7: The Marshall Court
expands Federal Power
• What main tenets became key aspects of the “Marshall
Court”?
• John Marshall
•
•
•
•
Second Cousin of Thomas Jefferson
Part of the delegation that became wrapped up in the XYZ Affair
Served as Secretary of State under John Adams
Was a leading Federalist
• Foundations of the “Marshall Court”
• Expansion of the powers of the Federal Government
• Expansion of the powers and jurisdiction of the Federal Court System,
obviously including the Supreme Court
• Blocking the ability of the States limit property rights and interfere in private
contracts.
• Freeing American commerce from State-level restraints.
Unit 3.7: The Marshall Court expands Federal
Power
• How did John Marshall use the case of Marbury v. Madison to
establish the Supreme Court as a vehicle for influencing American
politics?
• Marbury v. Madison was the first major case reviewed by the Marshall
Court.
• Thomas Jefferson argued that the Judiciary Act of 1789 had given the
Federal Court system greater power and jurisdiction than was allowed by
the Constitution
• William Marbury (one of the Midnight Judges appointed by John Adams)
sued when Jefferson ordered Secretary of State James Madison not to
deliver the commissions to the Federal Judges appointed by Adams.
• By ruling the Judiciary Act of 1789 unconstitutional (a victory for Thomas
Jefferson; ironic because John Marshall was a Federalist) Marshall had
established the concept of Judicial Review granting the Supreme Court the
power to overrule both Congress and the President if those entities actions
were proven unconstitutional.
• Although a defeat in the short-term for Federalists, it becomes a victory when
the Marshall Court is able to expand the powers and jurisdiction of the Federal
Government.
Unit 3.7: The Marshall Court expands Federal
Power
• Describe the major Court decisions that would expand the power of the Federal Government
and how they would do so.
• Marbury v. Madison (1803)
• Established the concept of Judicial Review, the power of the Supreme Court to
determine the constitutionality of State and Federal legislation.
• Fletcher v. Peck (1810)
• State can pass no law that invalidates a contract
• Martin v. Hunter’s Lessee (1816)
• Established the supremacy of Federal Courts over States Courts
• Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819)
• Reaffirmed Fletcher v. Peck that the states cannot alter or invalidate private contracts
• McCullough v. Maryland (1819)
• The Federal Government has the “implied” power to create a National Bank, which
could not be taxed by the States.
• Affirmed that Federal Law is absolute over State Law
• Gibbons v. Ogden (1821)
• Gives the Federal Government jurisdiction over interstate trade
• Cohens v. Virginia (1821)
• Gives the Federal Supreme Court the right to review the decisions of State Supreme
Courts in matters dealing with the authority of the Federal Government.
Practice Question #11
11. Which one of the following did not serve in George
Washington’s Administration (Cabinet)?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Thomas Jefferson
Alexander Hamilton
John Adams
John Marshall
Henry Knox
Practice Question #12
12. In the Report on Manufacturing:
A. Hamilton sought to promote the agrarian sector of the
economy
B. Hamilton and Jefferson promoted an excise tax
C. Jefferson argued that the nation should develop its
infrastructure
D. Hamilton maintained that a small government would be more
efficient
E. Hamilton supported policies that would protect American
industry from foreign competition
Practice Question #13
13. The first chief justice of the Supreme Court was which of the
following?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
John Marshall
John Jay
Thomas Paine
Edmond Genet
Thomas Pinckney
Practice Question #14
14.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
The Compromise that led to the Assumption Bill involved
Southerners accepting Hamilton’s economic program in
return for which of the following?
An end to the protective tariff
Legalizing the slave trade
Relocating the nation’s capitol to the South
Purchasing the Louisiana Territory
Shrinking the military budget
Practice Question #15
15. The Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution did which of
the following?
A. Abolished Slavery
B. Led to the creation of the Judicial Branch
C. Gave to the Federal Government the authority to create a
national bank
D. Prevented a President from seeking a third term
E. Required that presidential and vice presidential candidates be
from the same party
Practice Question #16
16.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Which one of the following represents an improvement
in French-American relations?
The Milan Decree
The Orders of Council
The XYZ Affair
The Convention of 1800
The Berlin Decree
Practice Question #17
17. In his more than thirty years as a Supreme Court Justice,
John Marshall did which of the following?
A. Strengthening the powers of the states in relation to the
federal government
B. Ruled time and again in support of the compact theory of
government
C. Ruled that the Supreme Court could not overturn a decision
handed down by a State Supreme Court
D. Blocked State regulations that limited property rights
E. Upheld the constitutionality of monopolies
Practice Question #18
18. In which Supreme Court decision was the concept of Judicial
Review established?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Marbury v. Madison
Dartmouth College v. Woodward
McCullough v. Maryland
Gibbons v. Ogden
Fletcher v. Peck
Practice Question #19
19. The concept of Judicial Review mean which of the
following?
A. The Executive Branch can veto legislation
B. The President has the final say in all decisions of the Judicial
Branch
C. The Courts have the power to determine the constitutionality
of laws
D. The Supreme Court is required to review all bills passed by
Congress
E. A State Court can overturn a decision by the Supreme Court if it
believes doing so would be in the State’s best interest
Practice Question #20
20. Pinckney’s Treaty resulted in all of the following except
which one?
A. It improved Spanish-American relations
B. It gave the Americans the right of deposit in New Orleans
C. It gave to the United States Spain’s Caribbean Islands in return
for American aid
D. It settled the Florida boundary dispute
E. Spain agreed to cease inciting Native American tribes against
the Americans
Answer Key:
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
D
E
B
C
E
D
D
A
C
C