Shaping the National Government and the Emergence of Political Parties (1791-1815)

Sections: The Debate Over a National Bank: The Federalist Position The Debate Over a National Bank: The Republican Position The Jay Treaty of 1794 The Farewell Address of George Washington The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions of 1798-1799 The Election of 1800 Thomas Jefferson and the Revolution of 1800 Hartford Convention: Constitutional Amendments

The Debate Over a National Bank: The Federalist Position Top Historical Context Domestic strife found the Federalists and Republicans at odds during the presidency of George Washington. Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton, a staunch Federalist, used his position in government to develop plans that would secure his Federalist agenda. One such plan was the proposal of a National Bank to handle the national government's finances. Most Republicans opposed the plan because they believed the national government lacked the formal power to establish such a bank. Attached Documents Below is an excerpt from a speech Alexander Hamilton gave defending the constitutionality of the National Bank. Questions to Consider 1) Hamilton viewed that the creation of corporations is essential to the basic means of a government. Why? <i>Historical Context</i><br>Domestic strife found the Federalists and Republicans at odds during the presidency of George Washington. Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton, a staunch Federalist, used his position in government to develop plans that would secure his Federalist agenda. One such plan was the proposal of a National Bank to handle the national government's finances. Most Republicans opposed the plan because they believed the national government lacked the formal power to establish such a bank. <br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> Below is an excerpt from a speech Alexander Hamilton gave defending the constitutionality of the National Bank.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) Hamilton viewed that the creation of corporations is essential to the basic means of a government. Why?      Hamilton on National Bank.rtf   Citations: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/amerdoc/bank-ah.htm <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/amerdoc/bank-ah.htm"> http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/amerdoc/bank-ah.htm</a>

The Debate Over a National Bank: The Republican Position Top Historical Context The establishment of a national bank was a major debate between the Federalist and Republicans. The creation of a National Bank was strongly opposed by Thomas Jefferson and the Republicans. According to the Republicans, a National Bank gave the federal government too much power and seemed monarchic in nature. Attached Documents The following excerpt is from a 1791 letter from Thomas Jefferson to George Washington outlining Jefferson's opposition to the National Bank. Questions to Consider 1) What is the constitutional issue Jefferson raises concerning the national bank? <i>Historical Context</i><br>The establishment of a national bank was a major debate between the Federalist and Republicans. The creation of a National Bank was strongly opposed by Thomas Jefferson and the Republicans. According to the Republicans, a National Bank gave the federal government too much power and seemed monarchic in nature.<br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> The following excerpt is from a 1791 letter from Thomas Jefferson to George Washington outlining Jefferson's opposition to the National Bank.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) What is the constitutional issue Jefferson raises concerning the national bank?      Jefferson on National Bank.rtf   Citations: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mtj:@field(DOCID+@lit(tj060092)) <a href="http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mtj:@field(DOCID+@lit(tj060092))">http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?ammem/mtj:@field(DOCID+@lit(tj060092))</a>

The Jay Treaty of 1794 Top Historical Context During this time foreign policy begin to emerge as an issue of contention between Federalists and Republicans. Existing tensions between the United States and England begin to threaten the delicate peace. In an attempt to resolve the growing tensions, George Washington sent John Jay, then Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to England to negotiate a treaty. The settlement became known as the Jay Treaty. Fierce debates over the issue brought to light the fundamental differences between the two parties. The Federalists strongly supported commerce, commercial and diplomatic harmony with Britain and a strong central government, and were thus supportive of the Jay Treaty. The Republicans, led largely by Jefferson and Madison supported agriculture, harmony with France and state's rights. As a result, the Jay Treaty served as a polarizing agent in the continued strife between the Federalists and the Republicans, signifying the emergence of foreign policy as a derisive issue. Attached Documents The documents below include the Jay Treaty, the Senate Resolution of the Treaty, as well as a portrait of John Jay. Finally, a cartoon representing the Republican disapproval of the Treaty is presented, depicting John Jay being burned in effigy. The first image is a portrait of John Jay. The second image is Jay being burned in effigy. Questions to Consider 1) Why would the Federalist want a good relationship with England concerning commerce and trade? <i>Historical Context</i><br>During this time foreign policy begin to emerge as an issue of contention between Federalists and Republicans. Existing tensions between the United States and England begin to threaten the delicate peace. In an attempt to resolve the growing tensions, George Washington sent John Jay, then Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to England to negotiate a treaty. The settlement became known as the Jay Treaty. Fierce debates over the issue brought to light the fundamental differences between the two parties. The Federalists strongly supported commerce, commercial and diplomatic harmony with Britain and a strong central government, and were thus supportive of the Jay Treaty. The Republicans, led largely by Jefferson and Madison supported agriculture, harmony with France and state's rights. As a result, the Jay Treaty served as a polarizing agent in the continued strife between the Federalists and the Republicans, signifying the emergence of foreign policy as a derisive issue.<br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> The documents below include the Jay Treaty, the Senate Resolution of the Treaty, as well as a portrait of John Jay. Finally, a cartoon representing the Republican disapproval of the Treaty is presented, depicting John Jay being burned in effigy.<br><br> The first image is a portrait of John Jay.<br><br> The second image is Jay being burned in effigy.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) Why would the Federalist want a good relationship with England concerning commerce and trade?      The Jay Treaty.rtf        Senate Resoultion.rtf   Citations: Picture of John Jay: http://www4.alief.isd.tenet.edu/saboltin/FoundingFathers/Founding%20Fathers/john.htm Link to Jay Treaty: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/diplomacy/britain/jay.htm Link to Senate Resolution: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/diplomacy/britain/jayresol.htm Link to John Jay Protest Picture: http://www.oysterbayhistory.org/freecb2.html Picture of John Jay: <a href="http://www4.alief.isd.tenet.edu/saboltin/FoundingFathers/Founding%20Fathers/john.htm">http://www4.alief.isd.tenet.edu/saboltin/FoundingFathers/Founding%20Fathers/john.htm</a><br> Link to Jay Treaty: <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/diplomacy/britain/jay.htm">http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/diplomacy/britain/jay.htm</a><br> Link to Senate Resolution: <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/diplomacy/britain/jayresol.htm">http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/diplomacy/britain/jayresol.htm</a><br> Link to John Jay Protest Picture: <a href="http://www.oysterbayhistory.org/freecb2.html">http://www.oysterbayhistory.org/freecb2.html</a>

The Farewell Address of George Washington Top Historical Context In 1796, George Washington defied the expectations of many by declining to seek a third term as president. Attached Documents In his farewell address, Washington warned of the dangers of factions and the growing political parties. Questions to Consider 1. Was Washington right to fear the influence of parties on American politics? <i>Historical Context</i><br>In 1796, George Washington defied the expectations of many by declining to seek a third term as president.<br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> In his farewell address, Washington warned of the dangers of factions and the growing political parties.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1. Was Washington right to fear the influence of parties on American politics?<br>      Washington Farewell Speech.rtf   Citations: Link to Farewell Speech: http:// www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/washing.htm Link to Farewell Speech: <a href="http:// www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/washing.htm">http:// www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/washing.htm</a>

The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 Top Historical Context Foreign policy had become a polarizing issue in national politics, pitting Federalists against Republicans. Attached Documents The Alien and Sedition Acts furthered these sentiments, as they dealt largely with foreigners and rebels. The main supporters of these laws were members of the Federalist Party, who controlled Congress. These acts gave the President power to deport any foreigner perceived as a threat to the nation. Fines and imprisonment could also be handed down to anyone who criticized the government. Heavy influxes of immigration from France and Ireland, it was assumed by Federalists, served to threaten the Federalist cause, as these immigrants were believed to typically align themselves with Republican causes. In this way, the Federalists used the Alien and Sedition Acts to halt Republican criticism of Federalist policies. Questions to Consider 1) Were there legitimate reasons to oppose the Alien and Sedition Acts? 2) What American principles did these Acts appear to infringe upon? <i>Historical Context</i><br>Foreign policy had become a polarizing issue in national politics, pitting Federalists against Republicans. <br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> The Alien and Sedition Acts furthered these sentiments, as they dealt largely with foreigners and rebels. The main supporters of these laws were members of the Federalist Party, who controlled Congress. These acts gave the President power to deport any foreigner perceived as a threat to the nation. Fines and imprisonment could also be handed down to anyone who criticized the government. Heavy influxes of immigration from France and Ireland, it was assumed by Federalists, served to threaten the Federalist cause, as these immigrants were believed to typically align themselves with Republican causes. In this way, the Federalists used the Alien and Sedition Acts to halt Republican criticism of Federalist policies.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) Were there legitimate reasons to oppose the Alien and Sedition Acts?<br> 2) What American principles did these Acts appear to infringe upon?      Alien Act.rtf        Sedition Act.rtf   Citations: Link to Alien Act: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/statutes/alien.htm Link to Sedition Act: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/statutes/sedact.htm Link to Alien Act: <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/statutes/alien.htm"> http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/statutes/alien.htm</a><br> Link to Sedition Act: <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/statutes/sedact.htm">http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/statutes/sedact.htm</a>

The Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions of 1798-1799 Top Historical Context Stifled at the federal level, Republican leaders, namely Jefferson and Madison turned to the states to present defiance to the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798. Attached Documents Jefferson and Madison drafted the below resolutions to the Virginia and Kentucky state legislatures, respectively. These resolutions declared the Alien and Sedition Acts to be unconstitutional and were distributed to other states which, in turn, began to produce support for the Republican cause. Questions to Consider 1) Why were the Alien and Sedition Acts, according to the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, viewed as unconstitutional? 2) Were Jefferson and Madison right to turn to the states to fight the federally mandated Alien and Sedition Acts? <i>Historical Context</i><br>Stifled at the federal level, Republican leaders, namely Jefferson and Madison turned to the states to present defiance to the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798. <br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> Jefferson and Madison drafted the below resolutions to the Virginia and Kentucky state legislatures, respectively. These resolutions declared the Alien and Sedition Acts to be unconstitutional and were distributed to other states which, in turn, began to produce support for the Republican cause.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) Why were the Alien and Sedition Acts, according to the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions, viewed as unconstitutional? <br> 2) Were Jefferson and Madison right to turn to the states to fight the federally mandated Alien and Sedition Acts?      Virginia Resolution 1798.rtf        Kentucky Resolution.rtf   Citations: Link to Virginia Resolution: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/virres.htm Link to Kentucky Resolution: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/kenres.htm Link to Virginia Resolution: <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/virres.htm">http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/virres.htm</a><br> Link to Kentucky Resolution: <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/kenres.htm">http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/kenres.htm</a>

The Election of 1800 Top Historical Context In the election of 1800, President John Adams - a fierce Federalist - ran against Republican Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was the first presidential candidate to be nominated by a political party, a fact that underscores the rise in the partisanship found in the political landscape of the time. The nomination of a candidate by a political party ushered in a new method of presidential campaigning, and the dichotomous red/blue and liberal/conservative distinctions found in contemporary American politics undoubtedly find this moment in our history as their geneses. Two ironies exist in this slice of history: first, Jefferson, while a strong supporter of the ideas of his party, was not a strong supporter of the party system, and second, Jefferson's Republican Party was the foundation for today's Democratic Party. Questions to Consider 1)What reasons would Jefferson have had to not support a party system? 2)What are the strengths and weaknesses of our modern party system? <i>Historical Context</i><br>In the election of 1800, President John Adams - a fierce Federalist - ran against Republican Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was the first presidential candidate to be nominated by a political party, a fact that underscores the rise in the partisanship found in the political landscape of the time. The nomination of a candidate by a political party ushered in a new method of presidential campaigning, and the dichotomous red/blue and liberal/conservative distinctions found in contemporary American politics undoubtedly find this moment in our history as their geneses. Two ironies exist in this slice of history: first, Jefferson, while a strong supporter of the ideas of his party, was not a strong supporter of the party system, and second, Jefferson's Republican Party was the foundation for today's Democratic Party.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1)What reasons would Jefferson have had to not support a party system?<br> 2)What are the strengths and weaknesses of our modern party system? Citations: Link to Election of 1800 Map: http://teachpol.tcnj.edu/amer_pol_hist/thumbnail95.html Link to Election of 1800 Map: <a href="http://teachpol.tcnj.edu/amer_pol_hist/thumbnail95.html">http://teachpol.tcnj.edu/amer_pol_hist/thumbnail95.html</a>

Thomas Jefferson and the Revolution of 1800 Top Historical Context The Federalist Party had controlled the presidency and Congress from the inception of the nation until the election of 1800. Jefferson's victory in 1800 was essentially a Republican victory and was seen as a revolution of ideas and personnel. The Federalist Party would never again gain control of the national government and will ceases to be an organized party by 1816. Attached Documents Below is an excerpt of Thomas Jefferson's Inaugural Address. Questions to Consider 1) What do you think Jefferson meant when he proclaimed "We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists"? <i>Historical Context</i><br>The Federalist Party had controlled the presidency and Congress from the inception of the nation until the election of 1800. Jefferson's victory in 1800 was essentially a Republican victory and was seen as a revolution of ideas and personnel. The Federalist Party would never again gain control of the national government and will ceases to be an organized party by 1816. <br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br>Below is an excerpt of Thomas Jefferson's Inaugural Address.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) What do you think Jefferson meant when he proclaimed "We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists"?<br>      Jefferson First Inaugural Address.rtf   Citations: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/presiden/sou/jeffmes1.htm <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/presiden/sou/jeffmes1.htm"> http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/presiden/sou/jeffmes1.htm</a>

Hartford Convention: Constitutional Amendments Top Historical Context Federalist Party members met again at the Hartford Convention from December 15, 1814 to January 5, 1815. The purpose of the Convention was to express grievances against policies of the Republicans and its conduct in the War of 1812. A major source of contention was certain policies that had the effect of reducing the far-reaching influence of the New England states. Attached Documents During the Convention, the Federalists proposed seven constitutional amendments to mitigate these perceived problems. Questions to Consider 1) What were some of the amendments proposed? What were the problems they addressed 2) What were the solutions proposed through the amendments? <i>Historical Context</i><br>Federalist Party members met again at the Hartford Convention from December 15, 1814 to January 5, 1815. The purpose of the Convention was to express grievances against policies of the Republicans and its conduct in the War of 1812. A major source of contention was certain policies that had the effect of reducing the far-reaching influence of the New England states.<br><br> <i>Attached Documents</i><br> During the Convention, the Federalists proposed seven constitutional amendments to mitigate these perceived problems.<br><br> <i>Questions to Consider</i><br> 1) What were some of the amendments proposed? What were the problems they addressed<br> 2) What were the solutions proposed through the amendments?      Hartford Convention.rtf   Citations: Link to Hartford Convention: http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/amerdoc/hartconv.htm Link to Hartford Convention: <a href="http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/amerdoc/hartconv.htm"> http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/amerdoc/hartconv.htm</a>

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