Chapter #9: The Confederation and the Constitution – Big Picture Ideas
1. The Articles of Confederation, the first government set up after the American Revolution, was structured out of fear of a too-strong government. Therefore, the Articles were very weak on purpose.
2. Two things showed the Articles as being too weak to the point of being sterile: (a) it could not regulate commerce and the money situation was growing dim fast and (b) Shays’ Rebellion frightened many to the possibility that mobs might just take over and the government might be too weak to stop them. Due to these reasons, the Constitutional Convention was held.
3. The Constitution was written as something of a balancing act between strengthening the government, yet making sure it doesn’t get too strong to take over. The resulting government was indeed stronger, but also a system of checks and balances were put into place to ensure no one branch becomes like the king had been.
4. After some negotiating, mostly with the promise of the Bill of Rights, the Constitution was ratified.
IDENTIFICATIONS:
John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government
Humans have the right to life, liberty, and property. The government would protect these rights thus making a social contract with the people.
Federalist #10
A part of the Federalist Papers. It was written by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison.
Republican Government
The idea of a republican government was kept by redefining popular sovereignty in the Constitution.
Land Ordinance of 1785
The Old Northwest would be sold in sections to help pay off the national debt. One section in each area would be saved for a school.
Land Ordinance of 1787
At first the new territories would be subordinate to the federal government. However, after there were 60,000 people that territory could be admitted by Congress as a state. This new state would have all the privileges of the current 13 states.
Necessary and Proper Clause
The Necessary and Proper Clause is also known as the Elastic Clause. It allowed for a loose interpretation of the Constitution. If something was not specifically written there, you can do it.
Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers were written by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison. These papers were propoganda to try and get people to be federalists.
Shays Rebellion
A rebellion of veteran soldiers. These soldiers were not paid for their service. They then became in debt and thus started Shay’s Rebellion. It was led by Daniel Shay.
Annapolis Convention
A convention in Maryland. It was to deal with the control of commerce. However, only five of the nine delegates were represented. There Hamilton engineered the adoption of his report. It said that they were to have another convention next year in Philadelphia to bolster the entire Articles of Confederation.
Philadelphia Convention
This convention was called for the sole purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation. There were 55 delegates. Most of them were lawyers and old constitution makers. They were very secretive. Eventually they made the Constitution.
Delegated Powers
Delegated Powers were the powers given to Congress by the Constitution. These included the power to collect taxes, regulate commerce, and declare war.
Reserved Powers
This was the power of the states. Any power not given to the federal government was given to the state and people.
Concurrent Powers
Concurrent Powers are powers that the Constitution gave to the state and national government. This included levying taxes.
Supremacy Clause
This clause said that the Constitution was the Supreme Law of the Land. Federal laws outrank state ones.
Anti-Federalists
Anti-Federalists were people who did not want to ratify the Constitution. They were against a strong central government.
GUIDED READING QUESTIONS:
The Pursuit of Equality
Know: Leveling, Society of the Cincinnati, Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, Abigail Adams, Republican Motherhood, John Singleton Copley
1. What social changes resulted from the American Revolution?
After the American Revolution there was a leveling of the classes after most of the rich, aristocratic Loyalists left. Everyone became more equal. Property holding rights were not as strict, people were called Mr. and Mrs., and the Society of Cincinnati was ridiculed. The idea of separation of Church and state started to form, and it was seen best in Virginia. Women were also fighting for their rights. Republican Motherhood came from women.
Constitution Making in the States
Know: State Constitutions, Fundamental Law
2. What was the importance of the state constitutions?
After the war the Continental Congress met and called upon the states to make state constitutions. The State Constitutions represented a Fundamental law. It defined the powers of government and drew authority from the people.
Economic Crosscurrents
Know: Navigation Laws, Empress of China, Speculation
3. What were the positive and negative effects of the war on America?
After the war much land was available. However, in trade it was like the Navigation Laws were worse than before. Britain cut off trade with the states. Fisheries were disrupted and bounties for ships’ stores had ended. Fortunately America was able to get new commercial outlets with other foreign nations. For example, the Empress of China was able to go to China and bring back ginseng, a cure for impotence. War also created demoralizing extravagance, speculation, and profiteering. There was inflation. Many wealthy people then became poor.
A Shaky Start toward Union
Know: Natural Rights
4. Why was the end of the war difficult on the national government?
The national government had to create a new central government. This is a very difficult task. In addition, leaders were preaching “natural rights” and were suspicious of all authorities. Also they did not have much of a common cause. Adding to their troubles, British manufacturers flooded the American markets with their cut-rate goods. The American industries suffered from the competition.
Creating a Confederation
Know: Sovereignty, Articles of Confederation
5. What forces served to unify the separate states during the war?
The Continental Congress tried to unite the states. However the states were still sovereign. Later they created the Articles of Confederation, the new constitution for the nation. The land was also given to the central government so, in order to obtain the inheritance one must stay in the union. This also made people look to the national, not state, capital.
The Articles of Confederation: America's First Constitution
6. What weaknesses plagued the Articles of Confederation? What was good about it?
The Articles of Confederation created a loose confederation of a “firm league of friendship”. A weak Congress was created and there was no executive or judicial branch, the judicial part was left to states. Bills in Congress needed approval of nine states and amendments to the Articles needed unanimous ratification. It was almost impossible. Congress was not able to regulate commerce or collect taxes. They could not even protect themselves. However the Articles of Confederation was a model of what a loose confederation should be. They outlined the powers of the central government and kept the states united.
Landmarks in Land Laws
Know: Old Northwest, Land Ordinance of 1785, Northwest Ordinance of 1787
7. Explain the importance of the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance.
The Land Ordinance for 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 all concerned the land of the Old Northwest. The Land Ordinance took the land of the Old Northwest and split it into townships of six miles square. This land was then split into thirty six one square mile section. The sixteenth section was to be for schools. These sections were to be sold individually to pay off the national debt. In the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, it told how the new territories should be governed. First it would be subordinate to the federal government. After there was sixty thousand people they could be admitted by Congress asa state with the rights of the original thirteen. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 also forbade slavery.
The World's Ugly Duckling
Know: Natchez, Dey of Algiers
8. Using examples, explain the title of this section.
The World’s Ugly Duckling is referring to America. They were looked down upon, especially by Britain. At Natchez there was a fort. Eventually Spain and Britain stopped America from controlling half their territory. Even France, cooled off and was now demanding the repayment of money that was lent. Pirates, such as the Dey of Algiers, were jumping American ships.
The Horrid Specter of Anarchy
Know: Shay's Rebellion, Mobocracy
9. Were the United States of America in danger of falling apart under the Articles of Confederation? Explain.
Yes they were. The system of getting money was breaking down. The public debt increased and the nation’s credit evaporated. Individual states began fighting over boundaries an duties. Shay’s Rebellion also happened. These backcountry farmers were losing their farms because of mortgage foreclosures and tax delinquencies. They demanded paper money, lower taxes, and suspend property takeovers. Due to this people began to fear mobocracy.
A Convention of "Demigods"
Know: George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Patrick Henry
10. What kind of men gathered in Philadelphia for the "sole and express purpose of revising" the old government?
At the convention many lawyers and experienced constitution makers came. George Washington became chairman. Benjamin Franklin was an older statesman. James Madison, a student of government, became known as the Father of the Constitution. Alexander Hamilton supported a strong central government. Many Revolutionary leaders were absent. Patrick Henry was chosen to go but declined.
Patriots in Philadelphia
11. How does George Washington's quote, "We have, probably, had too good an opinion of human nature in forming our confederation." help to explain the purposes of our founding fathers.
Our founding fathers had to become more strict and serious because nobody was following the generous rules that were laid out for them.
Hammering out a Bundle of Compromises
Know: Virginia (large state) Plan, Bicameral Legislature, New Jersey (small state) Plan, Great Compromise, Electoral College, Three-fifths Compromise
12. Describe the compromises that were achieved by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention.
The Virginia (large state) Plan was to have representation in both houses of a bicameral Congress to be based on population. The New Jersey (small state) Plan wanted equal representation in a unicameral Congress. In order to please both a compromise was made. The Great Compromise had a bicameral legislation. In the House of Representatives representation was by population. In the Senate each state got two senators. The Electoral College was also a compromise created for voting for President. There would be one round of popular voting. The number of electors was based on the senators and representatives in Congress. In the Three-fifths Compromise slaves were counted as three-fifths of a person.
Safeguards for Conservatism
Know: Checks and Balances, Separation of Powers
13. How democratic was the Constitution as originally written?
The Constitution created three branches. Only half of one of the branches had direct vote. The executive and Senators were based on indirect vote. However it did contain democratic ideas. It said the only legitimate government was one on the consent of the governed. It also said that the powers of government are limited.
The Clash of Federalists and Anti- federalists
Know: Anti- federalists, Federalists
14. Who were the anti- federalists and why did they oppose the Constitution?
The Anti-Federalists were people who opposed the ratification of the Constitution. Unlike the Federalists, they opposed a strong central government. The Anti-Federalists were mostly poor and the Federalists were mostly rich. Therefore, the Anti-Federalists thought that the Constitution was a plot by the upper class to steal power from the lower ones.
The Great Debate in the States
15. Did most of the states approve of the Constitution? Why?
Yes. Pennsylvania agreed to it because they came off better than expected. Massachusetts did an acid test and was promised a Bill of Rights. The federalists in New Hampshire managed to persuade the anti-federalists.
The Four Laggard States
Know: Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, James Madison, The Federalist
16. Explain some of the opposition to ratification of the Constitution?
Some people saw the end of liberty in the Constitution. Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison even wrote a paper, The Federalist, to gain support for federalism. The rest of the states, not including Rhode Island and North Carolina, ratified the Constitution because they would be unable to live without the others.
A Conservative Triumph
17. What does your text mean when it says that the Constitution, "...elevated the ideals of the Revolution even while setting boundaries to them."?
It means that people were able to have their own representation. However the people would not be able to go out of hand, starting a mobocracy.
Chapter #10: Launching the New Ship of State – Big Picture Ideas
1. Alexander Hamilton, get the U.S. on a solid foothold. With the Bill of Rights quickly ratified, the top problem the new nation faced was financial in nature.
2. Secretary of State Alexander Hamilton developed a plan that included (a) starting a national tariff, (b) starting a tax on whiskey, (c) setting up a national bank, and (d) paying off the national debt.
3. Politics quickly fell into two camps: (a) those who followed Thomas Jefferson became the “Democratic-Republicans” and (b) those who followed Alexander Hamilton became the “Federalists.”
4. Turmoil broke out Europe with the French Revolution, mostly between England and France. The U.S. nearly got sucked into European issues, but both Washington and John Adams kept the America out of war. This was best for the U.S.
IDENTIFICATIONS:
Washington’s Cabinet
Washington’s Cabinet first contained three department heads. Jefferson was the Secretary of State, Hamilton the Secretary of the Treasury, and Knox the Secretary of War.
Judiciary Act of 1789
The Judiciary Act of 1789 was created during the first Congress. It created federal courts and the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court had a chief justice and five associates. The office of attorney general was also created.
Federalists
A political party that wanted a strong, central government. It was led by Hamilton.
Democratic-Republicans
A political party that did not want a strong central government. It was led by Jefferson.
Hamilton’s vision vs. Jefferson’s vision
Hamilton’s vision was one that allowed a loose interpretation of the Constitution as long as it was necessary and proper.
Jefferson’s vision had a strict construction. What the Constitution did not permit if forbade. Jefferson believed these rights belonged to the state.
Report on Manufactures and Report on the Public Credit
The Report on Manufactures was Hamilton’s plan to improve growth of manufacturing through tariffs and excise taxes. The Report on the Public Credit was proposed by Hamilton to repay war debts by selling land, assuming state debts, and creating a bank. Jay’s Treaty
A treaty with Britain. The United States had to pay the debts it owed to Britain. The British were to evacuate the chain of posts on the U.S. They also had to pay for ship damages.
Pinckney’s Treaty
A treaty with Spain in 1795. It gave the U.S. free navigation of the Mississippi and the disputed territory north of Florida.
Washington’s Farewell Address
In Washington’s Farewell he warned against permanent foreign alliances and political parties.
Midnight appointments
Last midnight judges appointed by John Adams before he left his presidency. These judges were Federalists.
Revolution of 1800
The victory of the Democratic-Republicans over the Federalists. The power was safely transferred.
Judiciary Act of 1801
A law that put many federal judges into power. This was to keep the Federalists in power of the judiciary branch.
XYZ Affair
An affair where Adams had three envoys to negotiate with France. However they were approached by X, Y, and Z. These people demanded $250,000 in order to talk to the French foreign minister. The U.S. declined.
Chisholm v Georgia
Chisholm sued Georgia. The Supreme Court ruled against Georgia saying citizens of one state can sue another.
GUIDED READING QUESTIONS:
Washington for President
Know: George Washington, Cabinet, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox
1. Was Washington an important president? Explain.
Yes. He was the first president and the people liked him because he was voted unanimously. He established the Cabinet. Thomas Jefferson was Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton was Secretary of the Treasury, and Henry Knox was the Secretary of War.
The Bill of Rights
Know: James Madison, Ninth Amendment, Tenth Amendment, Judiciary Act, John Jay
2. What important steps were taken by the first congress?
James Madison wrote the first ten amendments, also known as the Bill of Rights. The Ninth Amendment recognized the people’s rights, and the Tenth Amendment recognized the states’ rights. The first Congress also created the Judiciary Act of 1789. This created the Supreme Court with a chief justice and five associates. It also created federal district and circuit courts and the attorney general. John Jay became the first chief justice.
Hamilton Revives the Corpse of Public Credit
Know: Funding at Par, Assumption of State Debts
3. How did Alexander Hamilton's economic plans lead to the District of Columbia?
Alexander Hamilton’s economic plan consisted of funding at par and assumption of state debts. Virginia had a small debt and did not like assuming a bigger debt. Therefore, in exchange, the new federal district, the District of Columbia, was to be placed in Virginia.
Customs Duties and Excise Taxes
Know: Revenue Tariffs, Protective Tariffs, Excise Taxes
4. Explain Hamilton's overall economic plan for America.
Hamilton was going to use taxes to pay off the national debt. He placed revenue tariffs and protective tariffs, which also encouraged trade. He also placed excise taxes. Hamilton wanted to protect the manufacturing groups.
Hamilton Battles Jefferson for a Bank
Know: Bank of the United States, Strict Construction, Loose Construction, Elastic Clause
5. How did the issue of the Bank of the United States reveal a difference in understanding about the Constitution between Jefferson and Hamilton?
When the Bank of the United States was about to be created Jefferson and Hamilton did not see eye to eye. Jefferson believed in strict construction. What the Constitution did not permit it forbad. Hamilton believed in a lose construction. He uses the Elastic Clause to show it is necessary and proper.
Mutinous Moonshiners in Pennsylvania
Know: Whiskey Rebellion
6. Was the Whiskey Rebellion a victory for freedom, order, or both? Explain.
The Whiskey Rebellion was a victory for order. Washington was able to put down the rebellion and cause little casualties. This showed that the rules should be followed.
The Emergence of Political Parties
Know: Factions, Parties
7. Why did political parties develop during George Washington's presidency? Were they good or bad?
The political parties started as factions. However they developed against Hamilton’s financial plans. They are good because the competition for power is good democracy.
The Impact of the French Revolution
Know: Democratic-Republicans, Federalists, French Revolution, Reign of Terror
8. In what way did the French Revolution expose the differing views of Democratic-Republicans and Federalists?
The Democratic-Republicans and Federalists supported the French Revolution in the beginning. However once the Reign of Terror began everything changed. The Democratic-Republicans thought the death of 1000 people were necessary. However, the Federalists thought otherwise.
Washington's Neutrality Proclamation
Know: Franco-American Alliance, Neutrality Proclamation, Citizen Genet
9. Explain the reasoning for and against Washington's Neutrality Proclamation.
Washington’s Neutrality Proclamation kind of violated the Franco-American Alliance. The Democratic-Republicans were upset. However, it allowed for the United States a chance to grow stronger. They were also much more useful to France as a neutral provider as seen by Citizen Genet who only did crazy things.
Embroilments with Britain
Know: Anthony Wayne, Battle of Fallen Timbers, Treaty of Greenville
10. How did British actions towards Native Americans and American merchant ships incite many Americans?
The British sold weapons to the Native Americans and even put them against each other. However the United States with Anthony Wayne was able to win the Battle of Fallen Timbers. They signed the Treaty of Greenville with the Indians and gained land while the Indians gained money. The attacking of American ships fired up the Jeffersonian.
Jay's Treaty and Washington's Farewell
Know: Jay's Treaty, Farewell Address
11. Did John Jay betray American interests in Jay's Treaty.
Yes. Jay’s Treaty did not win them much. People were afraid Jay would betray their country. Hamilton already did by sabotaging the negotiations in order to avoid war.
John Adams Becomes President
Know: John Adams, High Federalists
12. What handicaps did John Adams face as he became president?
John Adams had to fill in Washington’s shoes. He also had to face the High Federalists. In addition he got the war with France.
Unofficial Fighting with France
Know: John Marshall, XYZ Affair, "Millions for Defense, but Not One Cent for Tribute
13. What French actions brought America close to war in the closing years of the 18th century?
The XYZ Affair brought France and America close to war. John Marshall and two others were sent to negotiate with France. However they were approached by X, Y, and Z. They demanded $250,000 to talk. Thus the slogan “Millions for Defense, but Not One Cent for Tribute” came.
Adams Puts Patriotism above Party
Know: Napoleon Bonaparte, Convention of 1800
14. How did avoiding war with France hurt John Adams' political career?
Many people wanted to go to war with France. However, John Adams’ realized this was not a good idea and sent envoys to the Convention of 1800. Napoleon Bonaparte was ruling at this time.
The Federalist Witch Hunt
Know: Alien Laws, Sedition Act
15. Explain the reasons for the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts.
These laws were passed in order to keep the Federalists in power. With the Alien Laws the citizenship was raised from 5 years to 14 years. Many immigrants were poor so they joined the Jeffersonian. The Sedition Act kept bad talk and rumors from spreading.
The Virginia (Madison) and Kentucky (Jefferson) Resolutions
Know: Compact Theory, Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, Nullification
16. Which was more dangerous to the US Constitution: the Alien and Sedition Acts or the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions? Explain.
The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions. They followed a Compact Theory were states had the final say. However the Supreme Court has the say when it comes to nullification. These resolutions would have changed our history’s making.
Federalists versus Democratic-Republicans
17. What were some key differences between Federalists and Democratic Republicans?
Federalists were mostly wealthy and wanted a strong central government. They wanted power to crush democratic excesses and to protect wealthy estates. They also looked to promote trade. Democratic-Republicans were mostly poor and wanted a government that was weak and mostly ruled by the states. The best government was on that was ruled the least.
1. The Articles of Confederation, the first government set up after the American Revolution, was structured out of fear of a too-strong government. Therefore, the Articles were very weak on purpose.
2. Two things showed the Articles as being too weak to the point of being sterile: (a) it could not regulate commerce and the money situation was growing dim fast and (b) Shays’ Rebellion frightened many to the possibility that mobs might just take over and the government might be too weak to stop them. Due to these reasons, the Constitutional Convention was held.
3. The Constitution was written as something of a balancing act between strengthening the government, yet making sure it doesn’t get too strong to take over. The resulting government was indeed stronger, but also a system of checks and balances were put into place to ensure no one branch becomes like the king had been.
4. After some negotiating, mostly with the promise of the Bill of Rights, the Constitution was ratified.
IDENTIFICATIONS:
John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government
Humans have the right to life, liberty, and property. The government would protect these rights thus making a social contract with the people.
Federalist #10
A part of the Federalist Papers. It was written by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison.
Republican Government
The idea of a republican government was kept by redefining popular sovereignty in the Constitution.
Land Ordinance of 1785
The Old Northwest would be sold in sections to help pay off the national debt. One section in each area would be saved for a school.
Land Ordinance of 1787
At first the new territories would be subordinate to the federal government. However, after there were 60,000 people that territory could be admitted by Congress as a state. This new state would have all the privileges of the current 13 states.
Necessary and Proper Clause
The Necessary and Proper Clause is also known as the Elastic Clause. It allowed for a loose interpretation of the Constitution. If something was not specifically written there, you can do it.
Federalist Papers
The Federalist Papers were written by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison. These papers were propoganda to try and get people to be federalists.
Shays Rebellion
A rebellion of veteran soldiers. These soldiers were not paid for their service. They then became in debt and thus started Shay’s Rebellion. It was led by Daniel Shay.
Annapolis Convention
A convention in Maryland. It was to deal with the control of commerce. However, only five of the nine delegates were represented. There Hamilton engineered the adoption of his report. It said that they were to have another convention next year in Philadelphia to bolster the entire Articles of Confederation.
Philadelphia Convention
This convention was called for the sole purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation. There were 55 delegates. Most of them were lawyers and old constitution makers. They were very secretive. Eventually they made the Constitution.
Delegated Powers
Delegated Powers were the powers given to Congress by the Constitution. These included the power to collect taxes, regulate commerce, and declare war.
Reserved Powers
This was the power of the states. Any power not given to the federal government was given to the state and people.
Concurrent Powers
Concurrent Powers are powers that the Constitution gave to the state and national government. This included levying taxes.
Supremacy Clause
This clause said that the Constitution was the Supreme Law of the Land. Federal laws outrank state ones.
Anti-Federalists
Anti-Federalists were people who did not want to ratify the Constitution. They were against a strong central government.
GUIDED READING QUESTIONS:
The Pursuit of Equality
Know: Leveling, Society of the Cincinnati, Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, Abigail Adams, Republican Motherhood, John Singleton Copley
1. What social changes resulted from the American Revolution?
After the American Revolution there was a leveling of the classes after most of the rich, aristocratic Loyalists left. Everyone became more equal. Property holding rights were not as strict, people were called Mr. and Mrs., and the Society of Cincinnati was ridiculed. The idea of separation of Church and state started to form, and it was seen best in Virginia. Women were also fighting for their rights. Republican Motherhood came from women.
Constitution Making in the States
Know: State Constitutions, Fundamental Law
2. What was the importance of the state constitutions?
After the war the Continental Congress met and called upon the states to make state constitutions. The State Constitutions represented a Fundamental law. It defined the powers of government and drew authority from the people.
Economic Crosscurrents
Know: Navigation Laws, Empress of China, Speculation
3. What were the positive and negative effects of the war on America?
After the war much land was available. However, in trade it was like the Navigation Laws were worse than before. Britain cut off trade with the states. Fisheries were disrupted and bounties for ships’ stores had ended. Fortunately America was able to get new commercial outlets with other foreign nations. For example, the Empress of China was able to go to China and bring back ginseng, a cure for impotence. War also created demoralizing extravagance, speculation, and profiteering. There was inflation. Many wealthy people then became poor.
A Shaky Start toward Union
Know: Natural Rights
4. Why was the end of the war difficult on the national government?
The national government had to create a new central government. This is a very difficult task. In addition, leaders were preaching “natural rights” and were suspicious of all authorities. Also they did not have much of a common cause. Adding to their troubles, British manufacturers flooded the American markets with their cut-rate goods. The American industries suffered from the competition.
Creating a Confederation
Know: Sovereignty, Articles of Confederation
5. What forces served to unify the separate states during the war?
The Continental Congress tried to unite the states. However the states were still sovereign. Later they created the Articles of Confederation, the new constitution for the nation. The land was also given to the central government so, in order to obtain the inheritance one must stay in the union. This also made people look to the national, not state, capital.
The Articles of Confederation: America's First Constitution
6. What weaknesses plagued the Articles of Confederation? What was good about it?
The Articles of Confederation created a loose confederation of a “firm league of friendship”. A weak Congress was created and there was no executive or judicial branch, the judicial part was left to states. Bills in Congress needed approval of nine states and amendments to the Articles needed unanimous ratification. It was almost impossible. Congress was not able to regulate commerce or collect taxes. They could not even protect themselves. However the Articles of Confederation was a model of what a loose confederation should be. They outlined the powers of the central government and kept the states united.
Landmarks in Land Laws
Know: Old Northwest, Land Ordinance of 1785, Northwest Ordinance of 1787
7. Explain the importance of the Land Ordinance of 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance.
The Land Ordinance for 1785 and the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 all concerned the land of the Old Northwest. The Land Ordinance took the land of the Old Northwest and split it into townships of six miles square. This land was then split into thirty six one square mile section. The sixteenth section was to be for schools. These sections were to be sold individually to pay off the national debt. In the Northwest Ordinance of 1787, it told how the new territories should be governed. First it would be subordinate to the federal government. After there was sixty thousand people they could be admitted by Congress asa state with the rights of the original thirteen. The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 also forbade slavery.
The World's Ugly Duckling
Know: Natchez, Dey of Algiers
8. Using examples, explain the title of this section.
The World’s Ugly Duckling is referring to America. They were looked down upon, especially by Britain. At Natchez there was a fort. Eventually Spain and Britain stopped America from controlling half their territory. Even France, cooled off and was now demanding the repayment of money that was lent. Pirates, such as the Dey of Algiers, were jumping American ships.
The Horrid Specter of Anarchy
Know: Shay's Rebellion, Mobocracy
9. Were the United States of America in danger of falling apart under the Articles of Confederation? Explain.
Yes they were. The system of getting money was breaking down. The public debt increased and the nation’s credit evaporated. Individual states began fighting over boundaries an duties. Shay’s Rebellion also happened. These backcountry farmers were losing their farms because of mortgage foreclosures and tax delinquencies. They demanded paper money, lower taxes, and suspend property takeovers. Due to this people began to fear mobocracy.
A Convention of "Demigods"
Know: George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Patrick Henry
10. What kind of men gathered in Philadelphia for the "sole and express purpose of revising" the old government?
At the convention many lawyers and experienced constitution makers came. George Washington became chairman. Benjamin Franklin was an older statesman. James Madison, a student of government, became known as the Father of the Constitution. Alexander Hamilton supported a strong central government. Many Revolutionary leaders were absent. Patrick Henry was chosen to go but declined.
Patriots in Philadelphia
11. How does George Washington's quote, "We have, probably, had too good an opinion of human nature in forming our confederation." help to explain the purposes of our founding fathers.
Our founding fathers had to become more strict and serious because nobody was following the generous rules that were laid out for them.
Hammering out a Bundle of Compromises
Know: Virginia (large state) Plan, Bicameral Legislature, New Jersey (small state) Plan, Great Compromise, Electoral College, Three-fifths Compromise
12. Describe the compromises that were achieved by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention.
The Virginia (large state) Plan was to have representation in both houses of a bicameral Congress to be based on population. The New Jersey (small state) Plan wanted equal representation in a unicameral Congress. In order to please both a compromise was made. The Great Compromise had a bicameral legislation. In the House of Representatives representation was by population. In the Senate each state got two senators. The Electoral College was also a compromise created for voting for President. There would be one round of popular voting. The number of electors was based on the senators and representatives in Congress. In the Three-fifths Compromise slaves were counted as three-fifths of a person.
Safeguards for Conservatism
Know: Checks and Balances, Separation of Powers
13. How democratic was the Constitution as originally written?
The Constitution created three branches. Only half of one of the branches had direct vote. The executive and Senators were based on indirect vote. However it did contain democratic ideas. It said the only legitimate government was one on the consent of the governed. It also said that the powers of government are limited.
The Clash of Federalists and Anti- federalists
Know: Anti- federalists, Federalists
14. Who were the anti- federalists and why did they oppose the Constitution?
The Anti-Federalists were people who opposed the ratification of the Constitution. Unlike the Federalists, they opposed a strong central government. The Anti-Federalists were mostly poor and the Federalists were mostly rich. Therefore, the Anti-Federalists thought that the Constitution was a plot by the upper class to steal power from the lower ones.
The Great Debate in the States
15. Did most of the states approve of the Constitution? Why?
Yes. Pennsylvania agreed to it because they came off better than expected. Massachusetts did an acid test and was promised a Bill of Rights. The federalists in New Hampshire managed to persuade the anti-federalists.
The Four Laggard States
Know: Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, James Madison, The Federalist
16. Explain some of the opposition to ratification of the Constitution?
Some people saw the end of liberty in the Constitution. Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison even wrote a paper, The Federalist, to gain support for federalism. The rest of the states, not including Rhode Island and North Carolina, ratified the Constitution because they would be unable to live without the others.
A Conservative Triumph
17. What does your text mean when it says that the Constitution, "...elevated the ideals of the Revolution even while setting boundaries to them."?
It means that people were able to have their own representation. However the people would not be able to go out of hand, starting a mobocracy.
Chapter #10: Launching the New Ship of State – Big Picture Ideas
1. Alexander Hamilton, get the U.S. on a solid foothold. With the Bill of Rights quickly ratified, the top problem the new nation faced was financial in nature.
2. Secretary of State Alexander Hamilton developed a plan that included (a) starting a national tariff, (b) starting a tax on whiskey, (c) setting up a national bank, and (d) paying off the national debt.
3. Politics quickly fell into two camps: (a) those who followed Thomas Jefferson became the “Democratic-Republicans” and (b) those who followed Alexander Hamilton became the “Federalists.”
4. Turmoil broke out Europe with the French Revolution, mostly between England and France. The U.S. nearly got sucked into European issues, but both Washington and John Adams kept the America out of war. This was best for the U.S.
IDENTIFICATIONS:
Washington’s Cabinet
Washington’s Cabinet first contained three department heads. Jefferson was the Secretary of State, Hamilton the Secretary of the Treasury, and Knox the Secretary of War.
Judiciary Act of 1789
The Judiciary Act of 1789 was created during the first Congress. It created federal courts and the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court had a chief justice and five associates. The office of attorney general was also created.
Federalists
A political party that wanted a strong, central government. It was led by Hamilton.
Democratic-Republicans
A political party that did not want a strong central government. It was led by Jefferson.
Hamilton’s vision vs. Jefferson’s vision
Hamilton’s vision was one that allowed a loose interpretation of the Constitution as long as it was necessary and proper.
Jefferson’s vision had a strict construction. What the Constitution did not permit if forbade. Jefferson believed these rights belonged to the state.
Report on Manufactures and Report on the Public Credit
The Report on Manufactures was Hamilton’s plan to improve growth of manufacturing through tariffs and excise taxes. The Report on the Public Credit was proposed by Hamilton to repay war debts by selling land, assuming state debts, and creating a bank. Jay’s Treaty
A treaty with Britain. The United States had to pay the debts it owed to Britain. The British were to evacuate the chain of posts on the U.S. They also had to pay for ship damages.
Pinckney’s Treaty
A treaty with Spain in 1795. It gave the U.S. free navigation of the Mississippi and the disputed territory north of Florida.
Washington’s Farewell Address
In Washington’s Farewell he warned against permanent foreign alliances and political parties.
Midnight appointments
Last midnight judges appointed by John Adams before he left his presidency. These judges were Federalists.
Revolution of 1800
The victory of the Democratic-Republicans over the Federalists. The power was safely transferred.
Judiciary Act of 1801
A law that put many federal judges into power. This was to keep the Federalists in power of the judiciary branch.
XYZ Affair
An affair where Adams had three envoys to negotiate with France. However they were approached by X, Y, and Z. These people demanded $250,000 in order to talk to the French foreign minister. The U.S. declined.
Chisholm v Georgia
Chisholm sued Georgia. The Supreme Court ruled against Georgia saying citizens of one state can sue another.
GUIDED READING QUESTIONS:
Washington for President
Know: George Washington, Cabinet, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox
1. Was Washington an important president? Explain.
Yes. He was the first president and the people liked him because he was voted unanimously. He established the Cabinet. Thomas Jefferson was Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton was Secretary of the Treasury, and Henry Knox was the Secretary of War.
The Bill of Rights
Know: James Madison, Ninth Amendment, Tenth Amendment, Judiciary Act, John Jay
2. What important steps were taken by the first congress?
James Madison wrote the first ten amendments, also known as the Bill of Rights. The Ninth Amendment recognized the people’s rights, and the Tenth Amendment recognized the states’ rights. The first Congress also created the Judiciary Act of 1789. This created the Supreme Court with a chief justice and five associates. It also created federal district and circuit courts and the attorney general. John Jay became the first chief justice.
Hamilton Revives the Corpse of Public Credit
Know: Funding at Par, Assumption of State Debts
3. How did Alexander Hamilton's economic plans lead to the District of Columbia?
Alexander Hamilton’s economic plan consisted of funding at par and assumption of state debts. Virginia had a small debt and did not like assuming a bigger debt. Therefore, in exchange, the new federal district, the District of Columbia, was to be placed in Virginia.
Customs Duties and Excise Taxes
Know: Revenue Tariffs, Protective Tariffs, Excise Taxes
4. Explain Hamilton's overall economic plan for America.
Hamilton was going to use taxes to pay off the national debt. He placed revenue tariffs and protective tariffs, which also encouraged trade. He also placed excise taxes. Hamilton wanted to protect the manufacturing groups.
Hamilton Battles Jefferson for a Bank
Know: Bank of the United States, Strict Construction, Loose Construction, Elastic Clause
5. How did the issue of the Bank of the United States reveal a difference in understanding about the Constitution between Jefferson and Hamilton?
When the Bank of the United States was about to be created Jefferson and Hamilton did not see eye to eye. Jefferson believed in strict construction. What the Constitution did not permit it forbad. Hamilton believed in a lose construction. He uses the Elastic Clause to show it is necessary and proper.
Mutinous Moonshiners in Pennsylvania
Know: Whiskey Rebellion
6. Was the Whiskey Rebellion a victory for freedom, order, or both? Explain.
The Whiskey Rebellion was a victory for order. Washington was able to put down the rebellion and cause little casualties. This showed that the rules should be followed.
The Emergence of Political Parties
Know: Factions, Parties
7. Why did political parties develop during George Washington's presidency? Were they good or bad?
The political parties started as factions. However they developed against Hamilton’s financial plans. They are good because the competition for power is good democracy.
The Impact of the French Revolution
Know: Democratic-Republicans, Federalists, French Revolution, Reign of Terror
8. In what way did the French Revolution expose the differing views of Democratic-Republicans and Federalists?
The Democratic-Republicans and Federalists supported the French Revolution in the beginning. However once the Reign of Terror began everything changed. The Democratic-Republicans thought the death of 1000 people were necessary. However, the Federalists thought otherwise.
Washington's Neutrality Proclamation
Know: Franco-American Alliance, Neutrality Proclamation, Citizen Genet
9. Explain the reasoning for and against Washington's Neutrality Proclamation.
Washington’s Neutrality Proclamation kind of violated the Franco-American Alliance. The Democratic-Republicans were upset. However, it allowed for the United States a chance to grow stronger. They were also much more useful to France as a neutral provider as seen by Citizen Genet who only did crazy things.
Embroilments with Britain
Know: Anthony Wayne, Battle of Fallen Timbers, Treaty of Greenville
10. How did British actions towards Native Americans and American merchant ships incite many Americans?
The British sold weapons to the Native Americans and even put them against each other. However the United States with Anthony Wayne was able to win the Battle of Fallen Timbers. They signed the Treaty of Greenville with the Indians and gained land while the Indians gained money. The attacking of American ships fired up the Jeffersonian.
Jay's Treaty and Washington's Farewell
Know: Jay's Treaty, Farewell Address
11. Did John Jay betray American interests in Jay's Treaty.
Yes. Jay’s Treaty did not win them much. People were afraid Jay would betray their country. Hamilton already did by sabotaging the negotiations in order to avoid war.
John Adams Becomes President
Know: John Adams, High Federalists
12. What handicaps did John Adams face as he became president?
John Adams had to fill in Washington’s shoes. He also had to face the High Federalists. In addition he got the war with France.
Unofficial Fighting with France
Know: John Marshall, XYZ Affair, "Millions for Defense, but Not One Cent for Tribute
13. What French actions brought America close to war in the closing years of the 18th century?
The XYZ Affair brought France and America close to war. John Marshall and two others were sent to negotiate with France. However they were approached by X, Y, and Z. They demanded $250,000 to talk. Thus the slogan “Millions for Defense, but Not One Cent for Tribute” came.
Adams Puts Patriotism above Party
Know: Napoleon Bonaparte, Convention of 1800
14. How did avoiding war with France hurt John Adams' political career?
Many people wanted to go to war with France. However, John Adams’ realized this was not a good idea and sent envoys to the Convention of 1800. Napoleon Bonaparte was ruling at this time.
The Federalist Witch Hunt
Know: Alien Laws, Sedition Act
15. Explain the reasons for the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts.
These laws were passed in order to keep the Federalists in power. With the Alien Laws the citizenship was raised from 5 years to 14 years. Many immigrants were poor so they joined the Jeffersonian. The Sedition Act kept bad talk and rumors from spreading.
The Virginia (Madison) and Kentucky (Jefferson) Resolutions
Know: Compact Theory, Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, Nullification
16. Which was more dangerous to the US Constitution: the Alien and Sedition Acts or the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions? Explain.
The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions. They followed a Compact Theory were states had the final say. However the Supreme Court has the say when it comes to nullification. These resolutions would have changed our history’s making.
Federalists versus Democratic-Republicans
17. What were some key differences between Federalists and Democratic Republicans?
Federalists were mostly wealthy and wanted a strong central government. They wanted power to crush democratic excesses and to protect wealthy estates. They also looked to promote trade. Democratic-Republicans were mostly poor and wanted a government that was weak and mostly ruled by the states. The best government was on that was ruled the least.