1. Politics of the 1780s: Creating a New Government
Articles of Confederation ( )
Strengths: What problems did it solve?
Weaknesses: What problems did its structure create?

2. The Constitution Submitted to states in 1787 Ratified in 1788 Established Government in 1789
Statement: The Constitution was the result of a series of compromises that created a government acceptable to large and small states, as well as to free and slave states.
What evidence supports this claim?

3. “Bundle of Compromises”
How to make big & small states happy?
The Great Compromise
How to avoid federal tyranny?
Separation of powers w/ “Checks & balances”
How to deal with the divisive issue of slavery?
3/5ths Compromise & Slave Trade Ban
How to convince states rights critics to ratify the Constitution?
Bill of Rights

4. Historiography What is historiography?
Why do historians sometimes disagree on the interpretation of a historical event?
What are some variables that might affect historians’ perspectives?

5. Prompt
Assess the validity of the assertion that the Constitution of 1787 was designed primarily to protect the interests of the wealthy class.

6. The Federalist Era:
Rise of Political Factions & Political Parties
Interpretation of elastic or “necessary & proper” clause divides early political factions
What were the main concerns/fears held by Federalists & Anti-Federalists (Republicans)?

7. Anti-Feds/ Democratic-Republicans (Jefferson)
States’ Rights
Rural/Agr. Interests
“Common man”
Pro-French
Mainly South & West
“Strict Constructionist”
Federalists (Hamilton, Adams)
Nationalists
Urban
Business/Social Elite
Pro-British
Mainly Northern
“Loose Constructionist”

8. Presidency of George Washington
Personal Conduct/Modesty
Creates Cabinet
Neutrality Proclamations
2 Terms
Farewell Address—Warns of Foreign Entanglements & Political Factions
Invention of George Washington
“First in War, First in Peace, First in the Hearts of His Countrymen”

9. Hamilton’s Economic Policies
Proposals
Assume state debts
Establish income (tariff, land sales)
Regulate currency & banking (Bank of US)
Carry a national debt
Results
Polarized political parties
Improved US credit abroad
BUS approved (20 years)
Whiskey Rebellion

10. Presidency of Thomas Jefferson: 1801-1809
“Jeffersonian” Democracy
Role of yeoman farmer in republic
States’ rights must be protected
Freedom of speech is essential
Scope of federal government should be reduced

11. Louisiana Purchase, 1803 Largest territorial acquisition
Connected to Jefferson’s agricultural hopes for America/ port of New Orleans
Purchase violated Jefferson’ belief in strict constructionism
Napoleon’s role

12. War of 1812 Causes Consequences British impressments
Interference w/American commerce
British aid to Native Americans on frontier
Contributed to demise of federalist party
Intensified nationalist feelings
Promoted industrialization
Advanced career of Andrew Jackson