1. A New Government
What issues led to the creation of political parties in this young nation?

2. The Bill of Rights
Anti-Federalists were concerned that the new Constitution didn’t guarantee basic rights and freedoms to Americans.
The Federalists agreed to add a bill of rights to the Constitution. James Madison was the chief architect of the Bill of Rights.
The Bill of Rights took effect in December 1791 and includes the first 10 amendments to the Constitution.
The Bill of Rights list rights every American has.

3. Checks and Balances

4. The Electoral College
The Electoral College represents another constitutional compromise.
Convention delegates created the Electoral College to limit the power of the people.
Some delegates wanted the president to be elected by popular vote. Others wanted Congress to choose the president.
The Electoral College blends both concepts.
The popular vote goes toward choosing electors who then vote for a president or vice president for that state.

5. The Electoral College

6. The New National Government
The Electoral College chose George Washington as the nation’s first president.
John Adams became the first vice president.
The new nation was already divided, especially within Washington’s cabinet.
Supporters of Alexander Hamilton formed the Federalist party; Supporters of Thomas Jefferson formed the Republican party.
The Bill of Rights was added in 1791 and the rights of citizens.

7. Hamilton’s Divisive Economic Plan
Washington named Alexander Hamilton treasury secretary.
Hamilton promoted a plan to foster economic growth by—
Taking on, or assuming, state’s debts
Imposing protective tariffs, a tax on foreign imports to protect American businesses
Establishing a national bank
Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson thought Hamilton’s plan gave too much power to the federal government.

8. South Carolina’s Federalist Party
At first, most South Carolinians supported the Federalist party and Hamilton’s ideas.
But, as the population of the upcountry grew, South Carolina became increasingly Republican.
- The upcountry was slowly gaining more power, but the lowcountry still had control of the General Assembly.