Washington and Adams: The Federalist Presidents 1789-1801

A Federalist Victory Ratification of Constitution effectively wiped out the Antifederalists Beliefs of the Framers of the Cons. Strong central government Government by the “well born” Government should foster business, not interfere with it Property ownership “Bulkwark of the republican government” Good of the whole above needs of the few Unique features of new government Largest republic ever conceived Power shared among branches (1st ind. judiciary) Constitution written as an outline (room for interpretation)

Washington as President (1789-1797) Major issues: Title and Formalities of being President (establishing a precedent) Conflict between Britain and France State/National debt after Revolutionary War Growing problem of factions Expansion of Presidential powers

Title and Formalities Duties of the President described in Constitution Chief Executive Chief Diplomat Commander in Chief Ceremonial Head of State Powers of the President have increased significantly up to the present day Constitution originally granted the most significant powers directly to Congress (veto overrides, confirmations, etc.)

Conflict between Britain and France French Revolution 1789 Many American favored strong ties to French French monarchy had supported American revolution Napoleonic Wars 1793 Conflict between Britain and France US had ties to both nations Profitable trade/historic ties to Britain Attempts to stay neutral: Neutrality Proclamation 1793 Jay’s Treaty 1794 Attempts at neutrality were unsuccessful Farewell Address 1796: Avoid entangling alliances

Jay’s Treaty America still wanted to trade with both sides. However, the warring nations seized American ships headed for each others ports. In 1793, the British seized more than 250 American ships trading in the French Indies. Americans called for war but Washington knew we were weak. He sent John Jay to England to negotiate. Jay’s Treaty: Britain to pay damages for seized ships and to give up the forts it still held in the West. America in turn had to pay debts owed to British merchants. His treaty sparked protest because it did nothing to protect the rights of ships (INEFFECTIVE)

State/National debt after Revolutionary War US states had borrowed large sums of money to finance the Revolutionary War Some states had begun paying off their large debts US government also owed money to holders of continental dollars Acquired by speculators at a fraction of the price Many poor farmers/veterans forced to sell at low prices Hamilton’s Financial Plan Goal: establish credit/encourage manufacturing National Bank – regulate money supply, gov’t investment Assumption of state debt – tie fortunes of wealthy to government Fund debts at full value Tariff Excise taxes to raise revenue (Whiskey Rebellion 1794)

Growing Problem of Factions Framers had not anticipated development of factions (political parties) Political parties were vehicles of “Ambition and selfish interest” Believed they could destroy the republic Washington saw factions as a major danger Warned against factions in Farewell Address 1796 Factions developed from within his own cabinet Hamilton vs. Jefferson (debate) Strongly conflicting ideologies Birth of a new political party: Democrat Republicans Led by Thomas Jefferson

Expansion of Presidential powers Washington sets a precedent by expanding the power of the President and expanding the federal government Establishes a cabinet Department of State (Jefferson) Department of War (Knox) Department of the Treasury (Hamilton) Signs into law federal court system Signs into law Hamilton’s Financial Plan Created a national bank Not strictly called for in the Constitution But, refused to serve a third term (becomes tradition until 1940) Enhanced the power of the office, but rejected personal power

Adams’ Presidency (1797-1801) Issues of Adams’ Presidency Growth of Political Parties Quasi War with France

Growth of Political Parties Election of 1796 Adams Vs. Jefferson Beginning of factional political parties Political parties organize supporters/carry out attacks through newspapers Alien and Sedition Acts 1798 Make it a crime to speak out against US government Rationale: protect US from foreign (French) influence Used against Republicans Clear violation of First Amendment Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions 1798 Organized movement to nullify the federal law States declared federal law unconstitutional

Quasi War Tensions with France had begun under Washington Country split over who to support Federalists: Favored the British Democrat Republicans: Favored the French Both sides refuse to respect US claims of neutrality War in Europe becomes a political issue in the US XYZ Affair Angers the nation Federalists demand war with France Congress votes to cut trade with France Adams carefully maneuvers to avoid war Leads to decline of his own career (Loses Federalist support)

XYZ XYZ Affair-French attempt to make the United States pay money before discussing French seizure of neutral American ships. Adams told Congress about the proposal but did not name the agents, instead he called them X,Y, and Z. After this, the people were outraged and demanded war with France but Adams refused and wanted to keep the U.S. out of foreign affairs. As a result he built frigates – fast-sailing ships with many guns- to convince France to stop attacking.

Growth of Political Parties Election of 1800 Adams vs. Jefferson Highly organized political parties Constitutional crisis created (Jefferson/Burr tied) Jefferson wins in House of Representatives Leads to the 12th Amendment Revolution of 1800 Significant change in leadership (Federalists to Republicans) Demonstrated that peaceful transition of power could take place Official beginning of Jeffersonian era