Convention was called in Philadelphia in May of 1787 ◦ 12 of 13 states sent delegates (all but Rhode Island) Compromises were made: ◦ Virginia Plan vs. New Jersey Plan Roger Sherman steps in with the Great Compromise ◦ 3/5 ths Compromise ◦ Compromise on the Slave Trade
Federalists Articles failed because states had too much power Strong federal government was necessary Included James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay Anti-Federalists Supported state’s rights Felt the President had too much power under the constitution Included James Winthrop and Patrick Henry
Nine States needed to ratify before Constitution went into effect ◦ Delaware was the first on December ◦ New Hampshire was the ninth ◦ Rhode Island did not ratify until 1790 They were the last to do so Many states agreed to ratify only if a Bill of Rights was added Included as the first 10 amendments to the Constitution Adopted in 1791
The First Cabinet ◦ Congress had created 5 executive departments ◦ The head of each were Washington’s cabinet members Secretaries of State, War, and Treasury Attorney General and Postmaster General Judiciary Act passes in 1789 ◦ Sets up the Supreme Court ◦ John Jay is the first Chief Justice Kentucky petitions for statehood in 1792 ◦ First new state in the Union
The Bank of the United States ◦ Created in 1791 ◦ Part of Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton’s plan to strengthen the economy ◦ Most controversial action of Washington’s first term Not a power that the Constitution gives Benefits only manufacturers Whiskey Rebellion ◦ Congress passes a tax on liquor ◦ Western Pennsylvania was one of the main producers of whiskey It was easier to transport than grain Farmers refused to pay the tax Resistance turned violent in Pittsburgh Washington dispatched the militia and put the rebellion down easily
Federalists Led by Alexander Hamilton Government should encourage manufacturing ◦ To build the nation’s strength and wealth Supported protective tariffs Strong federal government Loose Constructionism ◦ Congress has power to make all laws ‘necessary and proper’ to carry out its duties Called the elastic clause Republicans Led by Thomas Jefferson Government should encourage farming ◦ Self-sufficient farmers are the backbone of democracy Opposed tariffs ◦ Benefited only small portion of US Strong state governments Strict Constructionism ◦ Any power not specifically given to the federal government is reserved for the states
Washington chooses not to run for a third term. Republican Candidates: ◦ Thomas Jefferson Aaron Burr Federalist Candidates ◦ John Adams Aaron Pickney John Adams wins the Presidency ◦ Thomas Jefferson becomes Vice President Tennessee becomes a state in 1796