First American Constitution (states more power than federal government)

Required ratification by all states (1781)

Only one branch of government (Congress)

Federal gov lacked power to tax (relied on contribution/obligation).

No uniform currency (state & federal government printed different currency)

Massachusetts put rebellion down, but soon after the faction they represented (farmers) got elected to Congress.

Daniel Shays defended his rebellion using the argument we used to rebel against Britain (tyrannical, non-representing government).

This pushed demand for revising Articles of Confederation over the edge and amend state-level tyranny.

Greatest success of Articles

Northwest territoy under federal jurisdiction.

Land Ordinance- orderly plan for settling this region by dividing it into square mile sections.

Private land companies bought these sections, divided them further, and sold them again.

Land was auctioned to highest bidder ($1 min/acre).

Some land was given freely as compensation to veterans.

•Three step process for area in west to become state

1. Start with a district governor.

2. Include enough families (and elect representatives).

3. Grow into larger state

•Jefferson pushed to ban slavery in these new territories.

•Originally called to reform articles, but instead they rewrote them completely.

Delegated from every state (except Rhode Island) came.

Every state had the same voting power regardless of size

State legislature elected representatives.

Sessions lasted 3-5 months, completely private/secret.

•Neither John Adams nor Jefferson appeared because they were overseas. Both Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams chose not to participate.

•James Madison was primary author and most important figure.

Authored the Virginia Plan (greater representation for larger states, federal gov could veto state laws).

New Jersey Plan, on the contrary, promoted equal representation among states and limited federal powers.

•Two House Legislature

House of Representatives—Elected representatives, base don state population, to serve 4 year terms.

Senate—Appointed representatives, two per state, to serve 6 year terms.

•Three-fifths Compromise

For every 5 slaves, 3 count towards representation in House of Representatives.

Slavery left intact (though this was debated, it could not be addressed if the authors wanted to achieve ratification).

•Created other two branches of government

Responsible for implementing law

•Electoral college created to choose the president (though the representatives were pressured into aligning their votes with the people they represented).

Smallest amount of Constitution written about this branch.

The authority of the Judicial Branch would grow with court case decisions.

•First time members of an important body fo government (House) would be elected directly by the people.

•Federalist supported ratification of the Constitution, and generally increased power of federal government.

•Antifederalist opposed ratification of the Consititution and feared federal government/supported state's rights.

•9 of 13 states, including New York and Virginia, were needed to ratify Constitution.

•Federalist advantage was knowing Constitution better

•Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote Federalist Papers, which supported ratification.

•Madison's Federalist Paper #10 argues threat of tyranny occurs on state level because factions could be formed here. Uses Shay's Rebellion as an example, and argues that because of diversified interest of Congress, factions are hard to form and assume power. This is called pluralism.

•Antifideralist biggest concern was lack of a Bill of Rights, which was promised and created after ratification.

•George Washington was unanimous choice for President.

•John Adams was unanimously second and choice for Vice President.

•Thomas Jefferson became Secretary of State.

•Alexander Hamilton put in important position fo Secretary of Treasury.

•James Madison became first Speaker of the House.

Never included in original Constitution, but as the presidency developed certain issues created divisions between political ideals.

Washington himself was violently against political parties.

•Hamilton quickly tries to solve debt with Tariff Act (imposed import duties), which was first source of income besides selling land.

•Also uses excise taxes, such as the Whiskey Tax (caused Whiskey Rebellion).

•Hamilton realizes impossibility of paying off debt currently, so instead has federal government assume responsibility for debt by calling in existing bank bonds and replacing them with new ones. These new bonds had the backing of a federal government, causing the wealthy and those who owned them to want to support the federal government financial and ensure our economic success.

•Madison (and Jefferson) opposed this, saying the rich were buying bonds from poor and profiting, and that the state who had assumed their own debt and paid off were not rewarded.

•Planned to create National Bank

•One-fifth of ownership would be federal government, four-fifths privately owned.

•Serve to increase stability of nation's finances.

Similar to today's Federal Reserve

•Jefferson and Madison argued unconstitutionality of bank, which was countered by the elastic clause delegating any other power not granted to states to federal government.

•Hamilton's call for widespread policy of subsidies to manufacture policies, tariff policy, etc. to encourage our manufacturing and pull away from agricultural dependency.

•Jefferson also opposed this, stating country was founded and supported by agriculture, and claims Hamilton's policies will lead to another Whiskey Rebellion.

•French Revolution—originally supported by many political leaders, but eventually opposed because of its growing violence.

•England and other countries unite to put down revolution, leading to another England/France war. US declares strict neutrality, stating our alliance with France ended when they overthrew their previous government that we made it with.

•Washington, in an attempt to maintain peace, sends John Jay to nehotiate. Jay was a federalist and the first Supreme Court Justice.

•Jay's treaty was controversial, and included:

British abandon all trade posts in West

British citizens/trappers still allowed to operate in these areas.

British agree to pay damages for some confiscted vessels, but not for slaves they "freed" during revolutionary war.

Didn't include a trade agreement for our ships to pass freely to West Indies.

British refused to treat Americans equal to their own citizens by imposing unfair import duties.

We agreed to forbid American private ship owners from equipping their ships as privateers to help France in the war.

Britain did not promise to stop discriminatory impressment.

•Public outcry against treaty as defeating, Jefferson resigned from Seretary of State. Washington accused of being pro-British.

•Washington, Hamilton, Adam's, and their followers, the federalist, oppose the French revolution and admire Britain as a model government. They believe in a strong democratic federal government, building up industry, creating a bank, and appeal to  dominent (Anglican) churches.

•Jefferson, Madison, and their followers called the Democratic-Republicans (or Republicans); they argue limited government, state rights, agriculture, supporting France's ideals (to an extent), literal intepretation of Constitution (oppose bank), and appeal to smaller denominations (Baptist, Methodist, Catholic).

•Both parties agree in neutrality but disagree in methods.

First meaningful election

Federalist candidate was John Adams

Democratic-Republican Candidate was Jefferson.

Constitution included popular vote only, where leading candidate is President and second most popular is VP.

Adams won, Jefferson VP.

Adams tries to include Jefferson, but Jefferson doesn't want to participate, and instead tries to help his party win next election.

Madisom himself wants to lead land assault.

Adam makes insists this is naval exercise and not official war.

Department of the Navy established in 1798.

Democratic-Republicans oppose this war (hate the English).

High-Federalist (radical federalist), like Hamilton, support full-blown war. Adams, who can no longer confide in Hamilton or Jefferson, turns to his influential wife Abigal and his son Quincy for advice.

1800s French begin to open up to treaty discussions.

Mostly because our navy was causing damage.

Napolean Bonaparte is the new head of France.

We agree to remove the unkept alliance of 1778, but France refuses to pay any debt from this war (we agree).

Created by John Adams administration.

Aimed at countering political opposition to war and to remove the threat of spies.

Abigal Adams failed to warn John against these acts, and they would be the downfall of his administration.

Alien Act—President authoritzed to round up and deport and foreign-born person he considered dangerous (extrmely arbitrary/loosely defines).

Sedition Act—Authorized federal gov to arrest and fine anyone they believed engaged in "seditious" activity. This included any form of resistance that undermined the war effort, including anyone who wrote or spoke any word disrespecting President or Congress.

The Court should have declared this unconstitutional, but at the time it didn't have the authority to. Also it was comprised of Federalists.

Madison/Jefferson decided best way to oppose was to go to the states, hoping state legislature would condemn the legislature and argue the right of nullification (states could nullify federal laws they deemed unfair).

Only a few states backed Jefferson/Madison, however, the point was made, and these acts hurt the Federalist in the next elections.

Jefferson against Adams again.

This time Democratic-Republicans win, but there is a tie between Jefferson and the intended DR VP, Aaron Burr. 

Burr doesn't want to yield, so House of Representatived decides. Hamilton hates Jefferson, but hates Burr more (called him scoundrel), so Hamilton and Federalist Congress chooses Jefferson.

Stress isolationaism, pleads for unity among parties/

Believe there was too much spending by federal government, adding debt.

America's future lies with the farmers, so Jefferson emphasized land purchases. Slightly increased price per acre but eases individual land purchase.

Made treaties with indians (which would be broken)

Most importantly the Louisianna Purchase from France.

Overall, he reduced budget by 1/3, most of which was reducing military spending.

We had previously signed a treaty with Spain giving us river access to New Orleans. Spain signed a treaty with France giving them large lands in America.

We were threatened by Napolean and his plans for North American expansion, so we offered to buy the land. Naploean eventually agrees because...

a. Haiti rebellion against France

b. New plans for European conquest (needs funds to fight British).

c. Realies our naval power and fears us aligning with Britain.

Deal is for $15 million.

Boundaries were unknown, so Jefferson sponsored the Lewis and Clark exploration.

Federalist object to purchase.

a. Develop what we already have

b. Don't agree farming is future

c. Constitutional argument previously used by Jefferson—not alloted for in Constitution.

Marbury v. Madison

Supreme Court, composed of Federalist and under Chief Justice John Marshall. Basically, John Adams created district court judge positions to stack the courts with federalist. Secretary of state James Madison didn't like this, so he withheld some of the official licenses from being delivered. Marbury, one of the judges, decided to ask the court for a writ of mandamus requiring Madison to deliver them. Marshall and the court ruled against Marbury, because they feared Madison would ignore their command, thus eliminating any court authority. Marshall instead found a technicality in a law regarding the Secretary of State delivering the licenses, and declared that law unconstitutional. In this they justified their decision, as well as granting the Supreme Court the IMPORTANT power of Judicial Review.

Not fond of each other. Clash once again during the Aaron Burr conspiracy (Burr accused of conspiracy to separate northeast from US, accused by Hamilton). In 1804 Hamilton and Burr dueled (more of a formality, didn't actually shoot to kill), and Burr killed Hamilton. This caused Hamilton to die a martyr, and ended Burr's political career.

Burr had been found floating down the Mississippi (sketchness with France) and charged for treason. Marshall, the judge, could not condemn Burr, because according to law two-witnesses must be brought forth to charge for treason. Jefferson was furious because he had publically announced that Burr would be hung, and was now undermined.

Jefferson goes to war against barbary states who charged huge expenses on American passage. This war brought on Marine Corps.

Napoleanoic War: America decided to adhere to a strict neutrality. Neither France nor England respect this neutrality, as they both blockaid our ships from the opposing ports. England is the greater offender, as they have a larger navy.

The Chesapeake, a US Navy ship, was boarded by British Man of War, and its captain even impressed our sailors. 

Though public demands war, Jefferson avoids it and enacts the Embargo Act , which shuts off trade with ALL other countries. Jefferson didn't want our goods to reach them, even by other neutral countries.

This does NOT work, as we are the ones who suffer most.

Napolean is eventually defeated at the Battle of Waterloo.

French announce to US they will stop emargo US ships. Though he was lying, British never considered backing down.

1810-Indian attacks on west (suspected to be supplyed/encouraged by British). Tecumseh attempts to unite multiple Indian tribes together against US, but US atack his headquarters, Tipee Canoe, and destroys the coalition.

Maritime grievances (infringing on our neutrality) is ultimately leading factor to US declaring war on England in 1812. Congress is split on the decision, as nearly all of the Federalist opposed a war (tend to be pro-British and anti-Napolean).

We aren't prepared for war because Jefferson and Madison decreased military budget. Our mobilization slow, and NE part of country set against going to war.

We assumed Britain was weak because of Napolean, but he falls in Russia, allowing Britain to send troops to US.

British practically destroyed DC. Tried to destroy Baltimore but was held off (leading to the Star Spangled Banner)

Battle on Great lAkes (British originally controlled the lakes but US wins naval battles here and blocks troop movement).

We had to also defend against indian attacks (here Jackson becomes a war hero).

Treaty of Gent calls for a cease fire. Both countries end war and try to work out grievances (little lost, little gained). American public feels successful in that we fought offf the formidable enemy of England (sometimes called the Second War of Independence). A great outburtst of national pride follows. This was also encances US credibility toward European countries.

Federalist took a beating b/c of war. In 1814 they met at Hartford Convention to declare formal opposition to the war, and implied the state's ability to nullify the act of war (previously a stance held by Jeffersonians).

Following the war of 1812 American practically no longer had a two-party system, as the Federalist slowly became Democratic-Republicans.

Succeeded in 1816 by James Monroe, the previous Secretrary of State.

Political unity is deceptive, many federalist now democratic-republicans with previous idealogies. Jefferson even reinstated federak bank created by Federalist.

Regarded as greatest Secretary of State in American history.

Had hand in Treaty of Gent.

Acts involving disarnment of navy on Great Lakes

Agreement to establish joint-jurisdiction with British in Oregon Area.

By 1817 Seminal and other tribes attacked Spanish controlled Florida. Jackson is given permision to cros into Florida but not attack a Spanish city, which he does anyways. He goe into Pensacola, Florida, and the Spanish protest. Adams puts blae on Spanish for not controlling population and holding back the indians, and convinces them to sell Florida.
Adams Onis Treaty of 1819- Assume responsibility for damage to settlers from Indian attacks, formalizes and defines boundaires of Louisiana Purchase. 

Monroe administration and Adams worry about Spain's weak grip on its territories. This raises concerns over national security, which british approach us with (because they want to trade with us and help fix the problem).

America instead decides to enact the Monroe Doctrine (European countries stay out of NA, NA stays out of Europe).

Positive Results: Westward agricultural expansion (still primary part of economy).

Development in manufacturing leads to growth of cities

Fast growing transportation network (build roads, water transportation by steamboats and canals).

Finance/Banking increasing, though they are still unorganized.

Negative: People complain about favoritism by government.

Bank favors interest of few,

Tariffs unfair to some.

Large Federal & State government control.

 Resentment of large farmers by small, of wage-workers by craftsmen.

Since 1812 banks have had a loose policy of lenging money (take out plethora, small interest rates).

Bankers saw this was dangerous and recalled bank notes, trying to retrench. They did this too fast, causing panic. Houses foreclosed, companies went under, people were out of work. 

State Banks take advantage of US bank failures. Maryland passed a heavy tax law against US bank. This goes to Supreme Court in McColloch v. Maryland. John Marshall upholds US bank as constitutional, again enforcing power of Judicial Review. This also shows his philosophy of federal government supremacy over state government.

Missouri makes an application for statehood starting in the House. A member of House from New York attaches the Tallmedge Bill amendment to the Missouri bill outlawing slavery in Missouri, freeing children of slaves already there at age of 25.

Slave states immediately object.

Maine also seaking admission to statehood, but slave states object because Missouri was not admitted as a slave state.

Missouri Compromise—admitted both states. Missouri admitted as a slave state, Maine as free. Also line is drawn at bottom of Missouri extending westward . Slavery prohibited north of this line (except Missouri). This is a band-aid fix that will reemerge.

No federalist

Four solid candidates (Quincy Adams, Jackson, William Crawford were three leading).

None of them got majority of electoral votes

Crawford grows ill, really between Jackson and Adams.

Because no majority, House will choose winner. House choosed Adams despite Jackson winning majority of votes. Jacksonians claim corrupt bargain.

Henry Claw was Speaker of House at time, and aligned with Adams. Quincy Adams makes mistake of appointing Henry Clay as Secretary of State (corrupt Bargain).

Jacjskon rides cottails of important changes including expansion of democracy, to portray his image as appealing. Various restrictions removed, important state level offices becoming elective, convention methods replace caucuses for nomination.

Jackson's chances are high because of Adam's failures

Though he wa great foreign diplomat, he fails at presidency. He creates a controversial Tariff right before election of 1828. It included protection for agricultural items, but doesn't apply to cotton exports. Southerners argue this tariff will increase price of domestic goods and foreign imports, but will provide no economic protection for their exports. This was the manifestation of sensitivity arising after Missouri Compromise, as the south was overprotective of their slave economy.

1826 People who oppose state and national level policies rally behind Jackson. Practically a new party called Democratic party (originally stood for limited government and state's rights). Martin Van Burin was a prominent character in organizing this party.

Adams, Webster, and Clay and followerd call themselves National-Republican.

Both parties successfully rally voters behind candidates, causing larger voter turnouts in 1828 & 1832.

Candidates are selective now by conventions.

Jackson wins the election of 1828 easily.

Wielded power strongly, despite platform of limited government. Not much political experience/education but had plenty of practical knowledge.

Brings in rotational office—replacing current office holders in federal government with his choosen democratic followers. Many of these people were not a qualified, causing some to argue that he only aimed to reward his loyal followers. This set precidence for the spoils system.

Jackson vetos interstate roads, like the Maysville Kentucky road bill.

Indian removal policy- Cherokees do not want to move out of Georgia because of a previous treaty. They argued in the Supreme Court that Georgia was violating a US treaty. Marshall ruled in favor of the Cherokees, but Jackson refused to support it. Forced the indians to relocate to Oklahoma, called the "trail of tears" because 1/4 of them died on the way.

Two main controversies involving Jackson's administration.

1. Nullification- Tariff of 1832 submitted by Congress to create more agreeable tariff to southernors. 

Southernors believe Jackson will veto bill, which he doesn't (causing Calhoun to resign VP). Calhoun leads charge of South Carolina to create nullification ordinance, making the tariff void.

Congress passes force bill allowing Jackson to use military force against SC. Henry Clay, however, composes a compromise tariff making small amends, allowing SC to back off. South Carolina revked their nullification rodinance against the tariff, but then enacts another against the force bill itself (effectively doing nothing except making them feel better about themselves).