What challenges do Washington & Adams face as President?

Launching the New Nation

Washington’s Administration (1789-1797)

1. Vice president (2nd place finisher overall) -

John Adams

2. Secretary of State (foreign affairs) –

Thomas Jefferson

3. Secretary of Treasury (manage finances)– Alexander Hamilton

4. Secretary of War (military matters) –

Henry Knox

•Washington wins every state and electoral vote, chooses a very politically diverse cabinet

Hamilton v. Jefferson

Hamilton Jefferson

Political Party Federalist Democratic-Republican

Major Writing Federalist Papers Declaration of Independence

National Bank Favored – Fed gov will fund & print money

Claimed it to be unconstitutional

Economic Theory shipping & manufacturing – pay Fed & State debts

Agricultural, pay only fed debt

Fears Mob rule Absolute power

Supporters Wealthy/Mid class Farmers, poor

The Whiskey Rebellion, 1794

Hamilton pushes a tax on Whiskey

Whiskey producers in W. Penn refuse to pay, attack tax collectors Washington sends in 13K troops to end the conflict

Sig: Fed Gov has authority to collect taxes

International Issues

2. Pinckney’s Treaty (1795) Dispute between Spain & US over land + access to Miss Riv Spain agrees to give up all land east of Mississippi, except

Florida, and access to Mississippi River + New Orleans

Help us!

No! Help us!

1. 1793: Britain & France at war

•Dem-Reps (Jefferson) say join w/ France, Federalists (Hamilton) say join w/ Britain

•Washington keeps US neutral

We’ll stay neutral

End of an era Washington gives up Presidency after two terms

Election of John Adams

•1796: Adams barely beats Jefferson

AdamsAdams

JeffersonJefferson

71

68

Frees all of his slaves upon death (shortly after leaving office)

Who replaces Washington? Adams vs. Jefferson

3. Jay’s Treaty (1795)

•British still manning forts in NW territory and helping Nat Ams

•British also taking US ships, Jay’s treaty only solves land issue

Alien & Sedition Acts

Most immigrants critical of Adams, many voted for Jefferson

•Jefferson & Madison say Adams misusing his power

•VA & KY Resolutions nullify Alien and Sedition Acts (against 1st Amend)

•Can states use nullification against unconstitutional federal laws??

Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions

Adams has Congress pass new laws: 1) Citizenship raised from 5 to 14 years 2) Jailing/deportation of undesirables

VP Jefferson very critical of Adams, esp XYZ affair