Forging the New Republic Essential Question: What were the major challenges and accomplishments of Washington’s, Adam’s and Jefferson’s presidencies?

Washington Shapes the Office of President Took the oath of office as the nation’s first president in 1789 “I walk on untrodden ground” First test of his presidency: Whiskey Rebellion Tax on whiskey Rebellion begins Washington sends militia to squash rebellion Set up the Cabinet Dept of State: Thomas Jefferson Dept of Treasury: Alexander Hamilton Dept of War: Henry Knox

Tackling Financial Troubles Largest concern of new gov’t was the economy Secretary of Treasury Hamilton proposed 1. Federal gov’t accept states’ outstanding debts Southern States already repaid debt Solution: move capital further South 2. Creation of a National Bank Thomas Jefferson: Strict Constructionist Alexander Hamilton: Loose Constructionist Hamilton convinces Washington to sign bill for New National Bank

Political Parties Emerge Founding Fathers did not want political parties Federalists wanted a strong national gov’t Democratic-Republicans favored a small central gov’t

From Washington to Adams Washington steps down after 2 terms John Adams becomes 2nd president Majority in congress passes Alien and Sedition Acts Feds become unpopular Election of 1800: tie between Burr and Jefferson House of Reps decide Jefferson is the winner

Jefferson’s Presidency Political power passed from one political party to another Goal was to limit the role of gov’t Marbury v. Madison 1803 Adams appointed many Federalists to judgeships: “Midnight Judges” Madison refused to deliver commissions Supreme court ruled they did not have power to make Madison deliver Commission (one branch cannot force action on another) Judiciary Act of 1789 that gave court this power was declared unconstitutional Established Judicial review: courts can declare laws unconstitutional

Louisiana Purchase Farmers living on the West of App. Mountains needed an outlet to the sea French had control over entire region including New Orleans Offered to buy New Orleans from France 2 mil

Louisiana Purchase, 1803 France offered all of Louisiana territory 15 Mil Doubled the size of U.S. Jefferson felt uncomfortable: strict constructionist!! Decided it was acceptable Presidents can negotiate treaties

Lewis and Clark Expedition First American expedition to Pacific Commissioned by T.J. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark 1804-1806 Purpose: explore, map territory, est. presence, find a good route to Pacific, study plants/animals