Governing Under the Constitution: 1789 - 1814

Mr. McAtee Iroquois High School October 2014 Governing under the Constitution

George Washington took the oath as president on April 30, 1789

Everything that he did as president set a precedent

Washington wrote to friends asking for advice -

Letter to Madison May 12, 1789 Challenges faced as President

Create federal courts

Select advisors -- the “cabinet”

Resolve America’s financial problems (Debt from war)

Resolve issues with Native Americans

Guide America’s Foreign Policy- avoid getting dragged into the ongoing conflict between England and France. Hamilton’s Financial Plan

Assumption Policy The U.S. government will repay all remaining Revolutionary War debts - both national and state.

Place a tariff on imported goods to increase govt. revenue. Placed taxes on certain items (Whiskey Tax)

Create a national bank - handle govt. funds and make loans to merchants / businesses Opposition to Hamilton’s Plan

Secretary of State Jefferson believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution

The national government could only do what was specifically stated in the Constitution

Jefferson opposed Hamilton’s plan - he feared that it gave too much power to the national govt. Guiding America’s Foreign Policy

Jefferson Hamilton Inspired by Horrified by events in France events in France

Wanted a strong Wanted a strong relationship relationship with France with England Washington’s Farewell Address

Letter written to “The People of the United States” It was first published in a newspaper on Sept. 19, 1796

It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliance with any portion of the George Washington foreign world by Gilbert Stuart (1796) John Adams, President 1797-1801

Adams, a federalist, was V.P. during Washington’s presidency

Struggled to find acceptable response to the ongoing struggle between Britain & France

His policy of “avoiding war” was criticized by many, and Adams did not handle criticism very well John Adams by Gilbert Stuart (1800) John Adams, President 1797-1801

Naturalization Act - Lengthened the residency requirement to become a U.S. citizen from 5 to 14 years

Alien Act - Gave the federal government greater power to deport foreigners.

Sedition Act - Prohibited the publication of insults directed toward the president or members of Congress. Those who broke this law could be jailed (and many were)!

Republicans felt that these laws were unconstitutional violations of people’s rights - the actions of a federal government that had become too powerful The Revolution of 1800

President 1801-1809. Leader of the Democratic-Republican

Opposed the Federalists. Wanted to limit the power of the national government - more power to the states & people

To achieve goals, taxes and government spending was cut.

Thomas Jefferson Reduced military to 3,000 soldiers by Rembrandt Peale (1800) The Virginia Dynasty

■ Thomas Jefferson: 1801-1809

■ James Madison: 1809-1817

■ James Monroe: 1817-1825 Louisiana Purchase (1803)

America was offered the chance to buy Louisiana

This territory would give America control of the Mississippi River - enhancing trade

Jefferson believed in a STRICT INTERPRETATION of the Constitution - Nothing in the Constitution about buying land. What to do???? Louisiana Purchase (1803)

America agrees to purchase Louisiana from France for $15 million

Jefferson justified this decision on the“Implied Powers” contained in the Constitution [Necessary and Proper clause]

A “Loose Interpretation” of the Constitution

Lewis and Clark Expedition, 1804 - 1806 Jefferson’s Foreign Policy Struggles Foreign Policy Struggles

British navy implements policy of Impressment

British stopped American ships at sea and captured (kidnapped) American sailors - forcing them to serve aboard the British ship

U.S.S. Chesapeake attacked by the British in 1807. 21 Americans killed! Many Americans want revenge! Jefferson’s Response to Impressment

Embargo Act of 1807 America stops all trade with European nations

The law caused much economic hardship in the U.S.

The New England states were particularly hard-hit by this law. There was some discussion about leaving the union Jefferson’s Tomb - at Monticello

He died in 1826 - on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence

Jefferson himself wrote the words that he wished to have on his tombstone James Madison

Was one of the leaders of the Constitutional Convention Close to Jefferson - shared similar political ideals President 1809 - 1817 Faced many of the same struggles as Jefferson President during War of 1812 Causes of the War of 1812

Between 1806-1811 over 6,000 American sailors were impressed by the British

Non-Intercourse Act (1809) Opens trade with all ports except Britain and France.

War Hawks (like Henry Clay & John C. Calhoun) pushed Madison to declare war on England. Their ultimate goal was to gain land for America (Canada and Spanish-controlled Florida American Desire to take Canada

American “War Hawks” saw Canada as land that America could / should control

In 1812 about 7.5 million people lived in the United States. Canada’s population was 500,000.

Taking Canada would require defeating the British

Henry Clay (KY) Americans upset about Britain’s Support of Native Americans in the West

Stopping British aid to Native Americans would make it easier for the U.S. to gain control of land south and west of the Great Lakes The War of 1812

America declared war on England on June 1, 1812

The U.S. was not well-prepared for this war

American generals were OLD, most soldiers were raw and not well-trained, American navy was very small

No national bank to finance war

New England & NY oppose the war U.S. Invasion of Canada, 1812 U.S. Invasion of Canada, 1813 British Troops Invade & Burn Washington D.C. Aug. 24, 1814 Treaty of Ghent, 1814

Britain and the United States agree to stop fighting

Both sides agree to return all land that they had conquered

Without British support, Native Americans living south and west of the Great Lakes will, in time, be forced to give up their land to the U.S. Long-Term Consequences

America more united as a country -- increased patriotism & pride

Native Americans unable to prevent the U.S. from taking their land South and West of the Great Lakes

U.S. manufacturing increased -- not so dependent on foreign trade Battle of New Orleans

Took place after the Treaty of Ghent had been signed (Dec. 1814 - Jan. 1815)

British soldiers attacked - hoping to gain control of New Orleans

Andrew Jackson led the American forces.

Battle made Andrew Jackson a great American hero!