1. 1789-1835 Federalist Presidencies: Overview

Federalists

• think Constitution = strong central gov + loose interpretation

• Future of US is in capitalism

  • businessmen, north, empowered national gov

• Key Figure(s): ALEXANDER HAMILTON, George Washington, John Adams (first 2 prez)

Anti Federalists

• think Constitution = limited central gov and power in states + strict intermpretation

• Future of United States = farming/slavery

  • Make money off slave labor, south, empowered states

• Key Figure(s): THOMAS JEFFERSON, James Madison (J.M. plot twist bc he wrote Federalists paper -> but always believed in small gov)

George Washington as person

• First President elected in 1789 serving 2 terms

• chosen to protect democracy

  • no part officiation

  • patriot

  • no children → so he cannot pass down presidency

  • he steps down voluntarily after 2 terms -> bc yay democracy (ex: Vladimir Putin)

George Washingtons Administration

• was made up of Federalists and Democratic-Republicans

  • Conflict within the administration bc Washington gets polarized advice

    • Vice President: John Adams (F)

    • Treasury Secretary: Alexander Hamilton (F)

    • Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson (DR)

Alexander Hamilton

• Secretary of Treasury

• Believed strong national gov necessary to provide order to America

• CAPITALISM: Wanted strong economy focused on industry so America could be self-sufficent and competitive

• Believed that Constitution should be loosely interpreted to allow the gov to respond to issues

Thomas Jefferson

• Secretary of State

• Believed political power should remain w/ state govs to protect liberty

• AGRAIANISM: Wanted economy to stay focused on

• Believed Constitution should be strictly interpreted: take it @ its word + all other powers reserved to state

• Wanted to experiment w/ small states making own choices

Expansion of National Government Under Federalists:

• 4 instances, making gov bigger

• 1790: The creation of the First National Bank 

• 1794: The Whiskey Rebellion

• 1798: Alien and Sedition Acts

• 1801-1835: The Marshal Court