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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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