Key U.S. Founding Fathers and 1790s Political Policies

George Washington

First U.S. president (1789-1797); set key precedents, such as the two-term limit, neutrality in foreign affairs, and the use of advisors (the Cabinet).

Alexander Hamilton

First Secretary of the Treasury; leader of the Federalist Party; promoted strong central government and economic modernization.

Thomas Jefferson

Author of the Declaration of Independence, first Secretary of State, and leader of the Democratic-Republicans; supported limited government and agrarian interests.

John Adams

Second U.S. president (1797-1801); Federalist who faced foreign tensions with France and signed the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Law that established the federal court system, including the Supreme Court, district courts, and the office of Attorney General.

Proclamation of Neutrality 1793

Washington's declaration that the U.S. would remain neutral during the French Revolutionary wars, avoiding alliances.

Jay's Treaty with Great Britain 1794

Agreement where Britain promised to leave U.S. forts in the Northwest but gave little on trade; unpopular but prevented war.

Pinckney's Treaty with Spain 1795

Spain allowed Americans free navigation of the Mississippi River and the right to deposit goods in New Orleans.

Whiskey Rebellion 1794

Farmers in western Pennsylvania rebelled against Hamilton's whiskey tax; Washington sent troops to show federal authority.

Alien and Sedition Acts 1798

Laws passed under Adams that increased residency requirements for citizenship and made criticizing the government illegal; seen as limiting free speech.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions 1798

Written by Jefferson and Madison; argued that states could nullify unconstitutional federal laws, opposing the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Five-Point Financial Plan

Hamilton's overall economic program to strengthen the U.S. economy: (1) pay off national debt, (2) assume state debts, (3) create a national bank, (4) impose tariffs, (5) excise taxes (like on whiskey).

Report on Public Credit 1790

Hamilton's proposal for the federal government to assume state debts and fund the national debt at full value to build credit.

Report on a National Bank 1790

Hamilton's recommendation for creating the Bank of the United States to manage government funds and issue stable currency.

Report on Manufacturers 1791

Called for tariffs and subsidies to encourage U.S. industrial growth and reduce dependence on foreign goods.

Federalists

Political Party, Led by Hamilton; favored strong central government, close ties with Britain, and support from merchants and bankers.

Democratic-Republicans Political Party

Led by Jefferson and Madison; favored limited central government, agricultural economy, and support for France.

Loose Construction

Broad interpretation of the Constitution, allowing implied powers (Hamilton's view, used to justify the national bank).

Strict Construction

Narrow interpretation of the Constitution, limiting the government to powers explicitly stated (Jefferson's view).

French Revolution

Uprising beginning in 1789 that overthrew the French monarchy; divided Americans over whether to support revolutionary France or stay neutral.

Washington's Farewell Address (1796)

Washington's parting message warning against political parties, sectionalism, and permanent foreign alliances.

XYZ Affair (1797-1798)

French officials demanded bribes to negotiate with U.S. diplomats; angered Americans and sparked calls for war with France.