November 2010 Study Group AssignmentDUE: November 30, 2010

BY:

Abigail Santander,

Alexandra Madueno,

Desiree Pineda

Edmund Pacleb, and

Jason Daproza

PromptPrompt

Analyze the contribution of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson in helping to establish a

stable government after the adoption of the constitution

George Washington

Thesis Statement: As one of the most influential Founding Fathers, George Washington’s contributions allowed for the establishment of stable government after the adoption of the Constitution. By leading the nation’s new government administration, adopting a new economic plan, and instilling the idea of neutrality and no political parties, Washington stabilized the United States for future generations to come.

The Proclamation of Neutrality of 1793(George Washington April 22, 1793)

Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands, of the one part, and France on the other; and the duty and interest of the United States require, that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerent Powers;

And I do hereby also make known, that whatsoever of the citizens of the United States shall render himself liable to punishment or forfeiture under the law of nations, by committing, aiding, or abetting hostilities against any of the said Powers, or by carrying to any of them those articles which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, will not receive the protection of the United States, against such punishment or forfeiture.

Washington’s Farewell Address 1796

There is an opinion, that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the administration of the Government, and serve to keep alive the spirit of Liberty. This within certain limits is probably true; and in Governments of a Monarchical cast, Patriotism may look with indulgence, if not with favor, upon the spirit of party. But in those of the popular character, in Governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose. And, there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be, by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. A fire not to be quenched, it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, instead of warming, it should consume.

George Washington’s Economic Legacy

At his inauguration, Washington inherited a government that was near bankruptcy; nocurrency, no monetary or fiscal system to acquire capital. The country was facing crushing amounts of war debt with no sources of credit. It is a testament to Washington’s administration that the country was able to correct its economic plight and harness the unlimited potential of its land. Above all, Washington’s most important contribution to the development of the private sector of business and finance was the assurance that the public sector was efficient and confident. Real economic development may be the product of business and finance, not government, but the former cannot function efficiently if the latter does not.

George Washington and Alexander Hamilton shared the common bond of war. Theywere pragmatic men whose experiences were defined by action. Also, they were disinclined to accept theory and abstract ideas. Hamilton would become the predominant spokesman for strong central government and helped form the Federalist Party to support this belief. As treasury secretary under Washington, Hamilton introduced landmark proposals for restoring credit, establishing a central bank, and encouraging manufacturing.

George Washington: Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Leader by Robert Francis Jones Page 117-118

Washington took a relatively active role in the legislative process. For example, during the First Congress, he sent frequent messages to legislators, raising substantial issues for their attention; more than 80 percent of these issues dealt with the America Indians and West. The major tool the president had in shaping the legislation, other than his vote to advise Congress, was his executive veto.

George Washington: Leader of a New Nation by Daniel C. Gedacht Page 82-83

In the beginning, the federal government was very small, and one of Washington’s first tasks was to create departments within the government, each with a different responsibility, such as the department of war, treasury, and state. During the first few years, Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton created a national bank to stabilize the economy of the United States. In 1790, the states reached an agreement to pay soldiers the money due to them for their service during war. The largest debts belonged to the northern states The southern states agreed to assume some of the northern states’ debt, and in return the northern states agreed that the future site of the federal capital could be in the South, on the Potomac River

A Map of the Western Part of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina

Illustration for George Washington

Thomas JeffersonThomas Jefferson

Thesis Statement: As one of the most influential found fathers, Thomas Jefferson’s contributions allowed for the establishment of a stable government after the adoption of the constitution. By advocating for a weak central government, the creation of the Bill of Rights, the making of the Republican party, and encouragement of changing economic values, Jefferson stabilized the United States for generations to come.

The Preamble of the Bill of Rights (1791)

“The Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution expressed a desire in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.”

“From The Writings of Thomas Jefferson Volume 2 QUERY XIII” (1743-1826)

They declared themselves independent states. ( Great Britain ) Theyconfederated together into one great republic; thus securing to every Statethe benefit of an union of their whole force. In each State separately a newform of government was established . Of ours particularly the following arethe outlines : The executive powers are lodged in the hands of a governor,chosen annually, and incapable of acting more then three years in seven. He isassisted by a council of eight members. The judiciary powers are divided amongseveral courts, as will be hereafter explained. Legislation is exercised by twohouses of assembly, the one called the house of Delegates, composed of twomembers from each county, chosen annually by the citizens, possessing an estate for life in one hundred acres of uninhabited land, or twenty-five acres with a house on it..”

Virginia Constitution (Papers of Thomas Jefferson, 1:353)

"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."

Thomas Jefferson’s Inaugural Speech in 1801

We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists. If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it. I know, indeed, that some honest men fear that a republican government can not be strong, that this Government is not strong enough; but would the honest patriot, in the full tide of successful experiment, abandon a government which has so far kept us free and firm on the theoretic and visionary fear that this Government, the world's best hope, may by possibility want energy to preserve itself? I trust not. I believe this, on the contrary, the strongest Government on earth. I believe it the only one where every man, at the call of the law, would fly to the standard of the law, and would meet invasions of the public order as his own personal concern. Sometimes it is said that man can not be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then, be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the forms of kings to govern him? Let history answer this question.

Letter to James Madison Paris, Sep. 6, 1789

"But with respect to future debt; would it not be wise and just for that nation to declare in the constitution they are forming that neither the legislature, nor the nation itself can validly contract more debt, than they may pay within their own age, or within the term of 19 years?"

Illustration for Thomas Jefferson