Democracy and Dissent

1st Amendment

Protects freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

George Washington (2 terms)

First U.S. president, served from 1789 to 1797, setting a precedent for two terms.

Federalist Party

Political party led by Hamilton and Adams, supported a strong central government and industrial development.

New York City (NYC)

First capital of the U.S. under the Constitution.

Washington’s Cabinet

• Vice President: John Adams

• Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson

• Secretary of War: Henry Knox

• Secretary of Treasury: Alexander Hamilton

Judiciary Act of 1789

Established the U.S. federal courts, including district courts and the Supreme Court. John Jay became the first Chief Justice.

Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans

• Federalists: Led by Hamilton and Adams, favored a strong federal government.

• Democratic-Republicans (Jeffersonians): Led by Jefferson and Madison, supported states’ rights and agriculture.

Alexander Hamilton’s Origins

Born in the Caribbean, humble beginnings, educated in NYC, promoted British-style industry, feared mob rule.

Thomas Jefferson’s Origins

From a wealthy plantation family, envisioned an agrarian future, supported the French, feared a powerful central government.

Hamilton’s Report on Public Credit

• Aimed to establish the nation's creditworthiness by assuming state and federal debts.

• Debated with critics over funding and ranking.

• Total debt: $50 million federal, $24 million state.

Assumption Compromise

Federal government assumed state debts, and the new capital was established in Washington, D.C., to appease Southern states.

Bank Debate

• Hamilton’s plan to create a federal bank to stabilize the currency and manage federal funds.

• Approved in 1791, with private investment from the wealthy.

Foreign Issues During Washington’s Presidency

• Neutrality: Washington declared neutrality in foreign conflicts.

• British: Border and debt issues with Canada.

• French Revolution: Jefferson supported France; Hamilton feared chaos.

Whiskey Rebellion (1791-1794)

• Uprising in Pennsylvania over excise tax on whiskey (wheat-based).

• Suppressed by Washington and Hamilton with 15,000 troops in 1794.

Washington’s Farewell Address (1796)

Warned against political parties and permanent alliances, delivered before retiring.

1796 Presidential Election

John Adams (Federalist) won, serving as president from 1797 to 1801, with Thomas Jefferson as his vice president.

XYZ Affair (1797)

French agents demanded bribes from U.S. diplomats, leading to heightened tensions and the Quasi-War with France.

Quasi-War (1798-1800)

An undeclared naval war between the U.S. and France, spurred by the XYZ Affair and trade disputes.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

Laws targeting immigrants and restricting free speech critical of the government.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

Written by Madison (VA) and Jefferson (KY), argued for states' rights to nullify unconstitutional federal laws.

Election of 1800

• Bitter contest between Thomas Jefferson, and Aaron Burr.

• Jefferson and Burr tied, with the House of Representatives choosing Jefferson as president.

Midnight Judges

Adams appointed Federalist judges in the final days of his presidency to maintain influence in the judiciary.