Amsco chapter 06

The Constitution and the New Republic, 1787-1800

Overview of the Constitutional Convention

• Benjamin Franklin's statement at the Convention highlighted the necessity of compromise and addressing skepticism about the Constitution.

• The primary concern was whether the Constitution would create a strong enough central government to unify the 13 states.

• The signing of the Constitution occurred under the backdrop of various domestic and international challenges as the nation was forming.

The United States Under the Articles of Confederation (1781-1787)

• The government operated under the Articles of Confederation which established:

  • A one-house congress.

  • No separate executive branch.

  • No judiciary.

Foreign Relations Issues

• States failed to comply with the Treaty of Paris, leading to unresolved repatriation of Loyalist property and debts.

• The weak U.S. government could not stop Britain from maintaining military outposts or restricting trade.

Economic Weakness and Interstate Conflicts

• Economic depression caused by:

  • Reduced foreign trade.

  • Limited credit due to unpaid war debts.

  • The inability to levy national taxes and excessive paper money printing by states.

• Interstate quarrels due to tariffs and economic competition, leading to boundary disputes and rivalry.

The Annapolis Convention (1786)

• George Washington hosted a meeting at Mt. Vernon to discuss the nation's issues, leading to the call for a convention in Annapolis.

• Only five states sent delegates to the Annapolis Convention.

• The call for a subsequent convention in Philadelphia aimed to revise the Articles of Confederation.

Drafting the Constitution at Philadelphia

• Delegates were predominantly wealthy, educated men committed to strengthening the nation.

• The convention began with deliberations behind closed doors.

• George Washington was elected as the chair, with Benjamin Franklin contributing to unity and calm.

• Key figures included James Madison (Father of the Constitution), Alexander Hamilton, and Gouverneur Morris.

• Notable absentees included John Jay and Thomas Jefferson, who were abroad.

Key Issues at the Convention

• Purpose Disagreement: Divided opinion on whether to revise or replace the Articles.

• Representation: Debate between the Virginia Plan (favoring large states) and the New Jersey Plan (favoring small states).

  • Resulted in the Connecticut Plan or Great Compromise, creating a bicameral legislature with both equal and population-based representation.

• **Slavery Compromises: ** Three-Fifths Compromise counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

• Trade Issues: Northern states wanted regulation of commerce; Commercial Compromise allowed Congress to regulate commerce but prohibit export taxes.

Presidency: Debates and Ratification

• The president's term was limited to four years, without term limits.

• An electoral college was established for electing the president to avert direct democracy fears.

• Ratification required nine out of 13 state conventions.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

• Federalists supported the Constitution as a means for a strong central government, while Anti-Federalists feared it undermined liberties.

• Prominent Federalists included Washington and Madison, while Anti-Federalists included Patrick Henry and George Mason.

The Federalist Papers

• James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay wrote persuasive essays for New York newspapers advocating for ratification of the Constitution.

Ratification Outcomes

• The Federalists achieved early successes in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania by promising the addition of a Bill of Rights.

• Virginia, New York, North Carolina, and Rhode Island were crucial for national unity, with eventual ratification achieved and the Constitution coming into effect.

Adding the Bill of Rights

• Anti-Federalists insisted on a bill of rights to prevent government abuses, successfully prompting the Federalists to promise one.

• The First Congress adopted ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights in 1791, providing protections against governmental abuse.

Washington's Presidency (1789-1797)

Organizing the Federal Government

• Washington established the first cabinet, including Jefferson (State), Hamilton (Treasury), Knox (War), and Randolph (Attorney General).

• The Judiciary Act of 1789 established a Supreme Court and lower federal courts.

Hamilton's Financial Program

• Hamilton proposed three main actions to stabilize finances:

  1. Pay off national debt at face value and assume state debts.

  2. Impose high tariffs to protect nascent industries.

  3. Create a national bank for fiscal stability and currency.

• A compromise led to establishing Washington, D.C. as the national capital.

Foreign Affairs

• Key events under Washington:

  • French Revolution: Americans supported the revolution but were wary of the violence; Washington declared neutrality.

  • Jay Treaty (1794): Addressed British posts but did not resolve issues with ship seizures.

  • Pinckney Treaty (1795): Granted U.S. access to New Orleans and guaranteed southern boundaries.

Domestic Challenges

• American Indian Relations: Conflicts with tribes led to the Treaty of Greenville after U.S. victories.

• Whiskey Rebellion (1794): Response to whiskey tax showed federal authority, met with mixed public reactions.

• Political Parties Emerge: Debates led to the formation of Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties.

Washington's Farewell Address (1796)

• Warned against foreign alliances, political parties, and sectionalism; set lasting precedents in U.S. politics.

Adams' Presidency (1797-1801)

• Federalist dominance characterized the era with events like the XYZ Affair, Alien and Sedition Acts, and emerging tensions with the Democratic-Republicans.

Conclusion: The Constitution's Evolution

• The debates and issues surrounding the Constitution set foundational principles that would continue to evolve, including discussions about federal versus state powers and individual rights.