Study Notes on Early U.S. History and Government

Washington was elected two times as President of the United States.
Elections had two rounds of voting:
- Round 1: Initial voting.
- Round 2: Top vote-getter becomes President, second round vote-getter becomes Vice President.
Washington's unique status:
- He is the only president to receive every electoral vote, being unanimously elected twice.
John Adams was the second highest vote-getter and became Vice President.
At the time, there were no political parties; the system was solely President and Vice President.
Washington was sworn in as president in New York, the capital at the time.

Washington's farewell address contained two pieces of critical advice:
- One piece of advice was followed for a long time, and one was not.
- Not followed: The warning against political parties, which eventually emerged.
- Followed: The caution against foreign entanglements.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was founded during Harry Truman's presidency, indicating ongoing commitments to foreign partnerships despite Washington's warnings.

The Whiskey Rebellion arose from an excise tax on whiskey established by Alexander Hamilton.
- Hamilton, as Secretary of the Treasury, sought to raise revenue through taxing whiskey, which was seen as non-essential.
- Farmers, particularly in Western Pennsylvania, viewed the tax as burdensome because whiskey was a necessary product for transportation and trade.
The farmers' perspective:
- Distilling corn into whiskey made it easier to transport and served as currency in barter transactions.
- Parallel drawn to the American Revolution:
- Farmers equated the whiskey tax to "taxation without representation" similar to the tax on tea.
- Actions included tarring and feathering tax collectors and burning a tax collector's home.
Washington's response:
- He sent in the military to quell the rebellion, emphasizing that dissent must be addressed through elected representation rather than violence.
- He underscored federal authority over state issues, demonstrating the Constitution's supremacy.

The 1796 election marked the first with political parties, occurring after Washington's presidency.
Return to a simpler election structure:
- The two highest vote-getters became President and Vice President.

Jefferson's voluntary absence from Washington D.C. was indicative of the deep political divisions between parties.
The 1800 election was contentious, featuring a rematch between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.
Campaign rhetoric was particularly savage:
- Accusations included charges of treason, immorality, and fears of racial and sexual violence, illustrating the emotional charge of political campaigning at the time.

Election resulted in a tie between Jefferson and Aaron Burr, who were both part of the Democratic-Republican Party.
Burr refused to concede the vice presidency, despite party expectations.
The election was decided by the House of Representatives, leading to a significant political conflict.
Alexander Hamilton's influence:
- Although he detested both candidates, he preferred Jefferson over Burr, whom he deemed untrustworthy.
- Hamilton's decision to back Jefferson reflected his view on political philosophies.

Chief Justice John Marshall's role in strengthening the federal government lasted for 34 years.
Essential court cases affecting understanding of federal judicial power:
- Marbury v. Madison: Established the principle of judicial review, granting the Supreme Court the authority to declare laws unconstitutional.
- If a law is ruled unconstitutional, it is nullified.
- McCullough v. Maryland: Affirmed federal supremacy regarding the collection of tariffs, stating that state governments must comply with federal law.

Important events and terms to familiarize with:
- XYZ Affair and its implications.
- Alien and Sedition Acts.
- Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions and the concept of nullification.
- Jay's Treaty and Pinckney's Treaty—one received public approval while the other did not.

Jefferson became President, leading to the Twelfth Amendment, allowing a single vote for both president and vice president.
Significant acquisition during his presidency:
- The Louisiana Purchase added extensive territory, although the legality of such an acquisition under the Constitution was debated.
- Purchase details:
- Jefferson aimed to acquire New Orleans and surrounding territories for $10 million but ended up purchasing all for $15 million, a rate of 2 cents an acre.

Second term complications arose from British and French interference in American shipping, resulting in the Embargo Act affecting trade.
The act was primarily a response to maritime pressures but had severe economic implications, particularly for Northern shipping interests.
Public sentiment labeled the act as the "Damn Embargo Act," showcasing discontent with Jefferson's policies.