U.S. Government Foundations: Washington, Judiciary, and Political Parties

Secretary of the Treasury

Washington chose Hamilton secretary of the treasury = gifted economic planner.

Secretary of State

Thomas Jefferson secretary of state bc. ambassador to France.

Judiciary Act of 1789

created 3 levels of federal courts and defined their powers and relationship to state courts.

Congress Regulation

Congress could regulate the jurisdiction of all federal courts.

Federal District Courts and Circuit Courts

The federal district courts and circuit courts would have specific, limited jurisdiction.

Supreme Court Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court would have the original jurisdiction provided for in the Constitution.

Supreme Court Appeals

The Supreme Court would handle appeals from the federal circuit courts and appeals from certain cases heard in the state courts.

Cabinet Candidates

President nominates candidates for cabinet; approved or rejected by Senate.

Hamilton's Political Beliefs

Hamilton: Federalist; gov led by wealthy, educated.

Jefferson's Political Beliefs

Jefferson: Antifederalist; people's participation.

Support for Hamilton and Jefferson

Hamilton has Northern support; Jefferson has Southern & Western.

U.S. Debt

U.S. owes millions to foreign countries, private citizens.

Hamilton's Economic Plan

Plan—pay foreign debt, issue new bonds, assume states' debt.

Southern States Opposition

Some Southern states have paid debts, against taxes to pay for North.

Bank of the United States

Hamilton proposes Bank of the United States.

Funding the Bank

Funded by government, private investors.

National Bank Functions

Issue paper money, handle taxes.

Debate over the Bank

Debate begins: strict vs loose construction of constitution (construction = interpretation).

Southern Support for Debt Plan

To win Southern support for his debt plan, Hamilton suggests moving nation's capital from NYC to South (Washington D.C.).

First U.S. Political Parties

Split in Washington's cabinet leads to first U.S. political parties.

Democratic-Republicans and Federalists

Jefferson's allies: Democratic-Republicans (a.k.a. Anti-Federalists). Hamilton's allies: Federalists.

Protective Tariff

Protective tariff—import tax on goods produced overseas.

Excise Tax

Excise tax charged on product's manufacture, sale, or distribution.

Whiskey Rebellion

In 1794, Pennsylvania farmers refuse to pay excise tax on whiskey - beat up federal marshals, threaten secession.

Federal Government Enforcement

Federal government shows it can enforce laws by sending in militia.