Lesson 15: The Federalist Era

Federalist

Favored a strong central government and national bank.

Democratic Republicans

Supported states’ rights and an agricultural-based economy.

Alexander Hamilton

Federalist leader; first Treasury Secretary; created the national bank.

Thomas Jefferson 

Democratic-Republican leader; 3rd U.S. President; promoted limited government

John Adams

2nd U.S. President; Federalist who faced backlash for the Alien and Sedition Acts.

The Wealth of Nations (Adam Smith)

1776 book promoting capitalism and free markets over government control.

Bank of U.S.

National bank created by Hamilton to stabilize the economy and manage debt

Jay’s Treaty

1794 agreement with Britain to settle disputes and avoid war.

Whiskey Rebellion

Farmer protest against a whiskey tax; showed federal power to enforce laws.

Washington’s Farewell

Speech warning against political parties and foreign alliances.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws restricting immigrants and limiting free speech against the government.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions 

Argued states could ignore unconstitutional federal laws (nullification).

Election of 1800

Jefferson defeated Adams; first peaceful transfer of power between parties.

Aaron Burr

Jefferson’s vice president; killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel.