1. The Federalist Era
Chapter 8

2. Ratification of the Constitution
At the Constitutional Convention, delegates often contrasted a “national” or “consolidated republic” with a “purely federal” union—using the word federal to refer to the Articles of Confederation.
After the Convention, the friends of the Constitution take the label “Federalist”—a propaganda victory. Opponents of the Constitution labeled “Anti-Federalists.”

3. Federalists in the Ratification Debate
Supported the ratification of the Constitution
Argued that the Articles were too weak to hold the Union together
Madison argued that for the Union to survive, the government had to be truly based on the people; i.e., power in Congress based on population and at least part of it elected directly by the people.

4. The Federalist
Series of 85 newspaper essays by “Publius,” begun in answer to series of essays by “Brutus”—published first in New York papers.
Series originated by Alexander Hamilton; John Jay contributed 5 before he fell ill; James Madison took over as Hamilton’s partner in the series.

5. The New Government in Effect
Constitutional debates began September 17, 1787—Virginia ratified by the end of June, and New York by the end of July, 1788.
When Congress under the Articles of Confederation met in the fall, they certified the ratifications of 11 states and called on the states to 1) appoint presidential electors and have them vote, 2) appoint senators, and 3) elect representatives.

6. March 4, 1789—the date selected by the Congress of the Confederation for the new Constitution to go into effect. Congress was to meet on this date.
When Congress met, it opened and counted the electoral votes and announced what everyone expected: George Washington was unanimously elected President.
Washington had to get official word in Virginia and then travel to New York to be inaugurated, in April.

7. Washington’s First Term: 1789-1793
Most of 1789 devoted to creating the government: 12 amendments passed by Congress and submitted to the states.
Congress created the Departments of State, War, and Treasury.
Thomas Jefferson came home from France to become Secretary of State.
Henry Knox made Secretary of War.
Alexander Hamilton made Secretary of the Treasury.

8. Hamilton’s Program
Congress in creating the Treasury Department made the Secretary responsible to them as well as to the President—he was to prepare reports for Congress.
Hamilton’s Reports on the Public Credit and Report on Manufactures (1790) set out a detailed plan for economic development: creating and funding a national debt, managing federal finances, and promoting American manufactures.

9. Opposition to Hamilton’s Program
Thomas Jefferson and James Madison argued that Hamilton’s plans were unconstitutional—the Constitution did not provide for chartering a national bank.
Jefferson, Madison, and James Monroe believed Hamilton was intent on building a tiny privileged elite dependent on the federal government for their wealth—this would tend to promote the creation of a monarchy rather than a truly republican government.

10. Opposition to Hamilton’s Program
Hamilton wanted to restore the credit of the United States by paying its securities at full face value.
Veterans of the Continental Army had been given promissory notes in lieu of pay.
When the Confederation was broke during the Critical Period, this paper seemed worthless. Speculators had bought up millions of dollars worth for pennies on the dollar.
Jefferson and Madison charged that Hamilton had a hand in this speculation.

11. Opposition to Hamilton’s Program
To unify the nation and firmly establish its credit, Hamilton wanted the federal government to take over the war debt of the states.
This upset the South, which with its export economy, had already paid its war debt. The laggards were the Northern states—who said they had paid more in blood than the South had.
Compromise—Hamilton and Jefferson’s deal

12. Reactions to the French Revolution
French Revolution began July 14, 1789.
Welcomed in the United States—Marquis de Lafayette an early leader
French Revolution turned radical—reign of terror ; war between France and England
Citizen Genet arrived in the US as French ambassador in 1793; commissioned privateers to attack British shipping.
Genet also encouraged formation of Democratic-Republican clubs.

13. Emerging Parties Republicans Federalists
Hamilton, John Adams, and other “friends of government”
Loose construction of the Constitution/expansive view of federal powers
Favored manufacturing
Favored England in the emerging Anglo-French wars
Viewed Republicans as dangerous enemies of stable government
Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, in coalition with New York anti-Hamilton machine
Strict construction of the Constitution/states’rights
Favored agrarianism
Favored France in the emerging Anglo-French wars
Radical Democratic-Republicans favored another revolution

14. Washington’s Second Term
Proclamation of Neutrality, 1793
Whiskey Rebellion, 1794
Scandals and frictions: Hamilton, Jefferson, and Randolph all left the cabinet.

15. Election of 1796 First contested election
John Adams elected President with 71 electoral votes; Thomas Jefferson with 68 electoral votes was runner-up and so elected Vice President.
XYZ Affair, 1797
Undeclared naval war against France,
Alien and Sedition Acts, 1798
Kentucky and Virginia Resolves, 1798

16. Election of 1800 Convoluted election results:
Jefferson, 73 electoral votes
Aaron Burr, 73 electoral votes
John Adams, 65 electoral votes
Charles C. Pinckney, 64 electoral votes
John Jay, 1 electoral vote

17. “Revolution of 1800”
Peaceful transfer of power from Federalists to Jeffersonian Republicans