George Washington and John Adams Flashcards
(76 cards)
1
Q
When was the first election under the new constitution?
A
- 1789.
2
Q
What was the result of the 1789 election?
A
- Federalist majorities in the house and the senate.
- Washignton was president and John Adams was VP.
3
Q
What were the issues facing Washington’s new government in 1789?
A
- US wasn’t united.
- Rhode Island and North Carolina were not in the Union.
- nation had an untried constitution.
- New gov had a huge debt and no machinery for collecting money.
- No judiciary ezxisted.
- No navy.
- only 672 officers.
- US’s western borders were open to native attacks.
- Britain and Spain still occupied territory.
4
Q
How many officers did America have in 1789?
A
- 672 officers.
5
Q
What were the positives of Washington’s new government?
A
- The worst of the post-war depression was over.
- Widespread support for the new government and constitution.
6
Q
What were some of the precedents that the first government set?
A
- Creates of federal judiciary.
- Bill of Rights.
- Raise revenue.
7
Q
What was the Judiciary Act (1789)?
A
- Establishes a hierarchical system for the federal courts.
- At the top was the supreme county.
- the district courts.
- then circuit courts of appeal.
8
Q
Who was the first chief justice of the Supreme Court?
A
- John Jay.
9
Q
What happens following the passage of the Bill of Rights (1791) ?
A
- Help North Carolina and Rhode Island to enter the union.
- Join in 1789 and 1790.
10
Q
What measures does the first congress pass to raise revenue?
A
- 5% trade duty on most items.
- 50% duty on 30 items.
- Tonnage Act (1789) - stated that American ships should pay a duty of 6% per ton and overseas built and own ships 50 cents per ton.
11
Q
What precedents did Washington set in his first presidency?
A
- Presidential dignity.
- Relationship between the president and congress.
- The federal cvil service.
12
Q
How did Washington establish presidential dignity?
A
- Holding weekly open-house receptions - struck a middle between courtly formality and republican simplicity.
- Declines to visit Governor John Hancock until Hancock paid a call on him.
- First congress pends a month debating his title - settle on Mr President.
13
Q
How does Washington establish the relationship between the president and congress?
A
- Constitutional convention states that the senate should act as an advisory body.
- Washington appears before the senate to ask advice about a draftNative American treaties and some senators refuse to discuss the matter in his presence.
14
Q
How does Washington establish the federal civil service?
A
- Washington only inherits a small cabinet from the confederation.
- State, treasury and war departments established in 1789.
- Washington wanted the heads of his executive departments to be accountable to him alone.
15
Q
What was the criteria for Washington’s cabinet?
A
- Merit
- Service
- Geography.
16
Q
Example of Washington appointing someone of merit to his cabinet:
A
- Alexander Hamilton - becomes secretary of the treasury.
17
Q
Example of Washington appointing someone who had served in the war in his cabinet:
A
- General Henry Know - Secretary of War - continued the office he had held under the confederation.
18
Q
Example of Washington appointing someone of geographical representation to his cabinet:
A
- Edmund Randolph - governor fo virginia.
- Becomes attorney general.
19
Q
Why was Hamilton seen as important in the Washington administration?
A
- Talented and ambitious.
- Favourite of Washington.
- Washington felt that it was not his place to initiate legislation.
20
Q
What were Hamilton’s political view points?
A
- He was a nationalists and wanted the states powers to eventually wither away.
- Believed that the federal government must dominate financial policy.
21
Q
What were the features of Hamilton’s first report on public credit (1790) ?
A
-Funding at face value of the entire domestic and oversea debt incurred by the confederation government - $56 million.
- Federal assumption of state debts - $21 million.
22
Q
Why was there opposition to Hamiltons plan for federal assumption of state debts?
A
- Southern States - except for South Carolina had provided for the repayment of their debts and objected to paying the North’s debts.
- Felt that the north stood to gain most from the plan.
- Southerners also feared that ti would lead to an expansion of federal power at the expense of states.
23
Q
What happens to Hamilton’s state debt proposal?
A
- Madison opposes it.
- congress then rejects the proposal.
24
Q
What compromise does Hamilton make to get his state debt plan passed?
A
- In exchange for southern votes Madison and Hamilton reached an agreements that they would make
- allowances to states that had already settled the most of their debts..
- premaneta national capital would be in the South on the Potomac River.
25
What were the key features of Hamilton's second report on public credit?
- Hamilton's programme leads to USA's national debt rising to $80 million.
- 80% of the Govs expenditure was needed to service the debt - hence more revenue needed to be pound.
- includes a tax on distilled spirits - establishes a precedent for a federal excise tax.
26
Argument that Hamilton's credit measures were financially successful:
- value of government bonds those sharply.
- federal government was able to borrow money both home and abroad.
27
What were the features of Hamilton's report on the national bank?
- Revived Robert Morrisons ideas.
- It was modelled on the bank go England.
- Proposed the Bank of the US to have a capital of $10 million - 1/5th by the government and 4/5ths by private investors.
- Facilitate the collection of taxes.
- Provide a source of capital for loans.
- Issue paper money.
-Provide capital for loans to stimulate development of business and commerce.
28
What opposition was there to Hamilton's report on the national bank?
- Madison argued that the constitution had not given congress the power to charter companies.
- Congress passes the bill depire Madisons opposition.
29
What doctrine comes out of the debate on the national bank?
- Madison and Jefferson push for a strict interpretation of the constitution.
- Hamilton responds with a doctrine of implied powers - argued that whilst a bank was not in the constitution it was necessary and proper.
30
Was the report on the national bank a success?
- Contributed to Americas development over the next three decades.
- Its banknotes retained their value.
- Did little for Hamilton's popularity.
31
What was Hamilton's report on manufacturers (1791) ?
- Laid down a plan for industrialisation through protective tarries and government subsidies for new industries and inventions.
- The report was shelved by congress.
32
Was Hamiltons financial programme successful?
- It was successful financially - they restored public credit and ensured that overseas capital flowed into the US.
- However they do lead to political divisions - saw it as an extension of powers of the state.
- National parties arise as a result.
33
Why were Hamilton's plans politically destructive
- National parties arose.
- His appeal to northern commercial elements§ts aroused sectional jealousies/.
- Efforts to centralise power led to fears of tyranny.
- Admiration of British citizen led to fears that have planned to reintroduce a monarchy.
34
Why did Jefferson oppose Hamilton?
- Said that his plans were "adverse to liberty".
- Hamilton wanted a diverse economy with agriculture, commerce and industry. - Jefferson wanted a republic of independent farmers.
- Hamilton was pessimistic about people and feared anarchy - Jefferson was optimistic and feared tyranny.
- Hamilton favoured the rights of federal government, Jefferson favoured the rights of states.
35
What was the name of the newspaper sympathetic to Hamilton?
- United States Gazette.
36
What was the name of the newspaper sympathetic to Jeffersonn?
- National Gazette - Jefferson brings Philip Frenue to edit it.
37
Who were the federalists?
- Jefferson and Madison.
38
What was the outcome of the 1792 presidential election?
- Washington didn't commit himself to any political sites.
- He was urged by both Hamilton and Jefferson to stay in power.
- Stands in 1792 unopposed.
- Federalists had a clear majority in the senate.
- Federalists and Republicans evenly split in the house.
39
How did federalists view the French Revolution?
- Interpreted events in France as confirming their fears about popular government leading to mob rule.
40
How did Republicans view the French Revolution?
- Sympathised with the revolutionaries.
- French Revolution becomes a touchstone for determining American political alliances.
41
How does France's declaration of war on Britain in 1793 affect American opinion of the war?
- Raised the question of if America would remain an ally of France.
- Hamilton argues that the 1778 alliance should be declared invalid as it was made with a government that no longer existed.
42
Why was Hamilton against Britain joining the war with France?
- Held pro-British sentiments.
- British imports were a chief source of tariff revenues.
- 75% of American trade was with Britain.
- 90% of imports were British.
43
What was Jefferson's view on the 1793 French Revolution?
- Supported France, but did not want a war.
- believed that the US should proclaim neutrality.
- Felt that they should dealt breaking their treaty.
44
What was Washignton's view of the French Revolution?
- Regarded foreign affairs as a presidential concern.
- He was aware of the USA's military and economic weakness.
- Belvied that the main interest was to avoid another war with Britain.
45
How does America ultimately respond to the French Revolution?
- 1793 Proclamation of Neutrality.
46
How does Citizen Genet end up in America?
- Washington accepts Jefferson argument that the US should recognise the new Jacobin government - first country to of so.
- Received its new ambassador - Citizen Genet.
47
Why did Citizen Genet become an embarrassment for France?
- He had organised a Jacobin club.
- Wanted to untie Americans in their support for the French.
- Jefferson decided the French Minister had overreached when he violated a promise not to outfit a captured British Ship as a French privateer.
- Threatened to appeal directly to the American people - going over Washingtons head.
- France send out an arrest warrant. 1
48
What problems did the new government have with Britain?
- Britain had not relinquished its military posts south of the Great Lakes - British troops were suspected of encouraging Natives to attack American-Settler colonists.
49
What event so America close to war with Britain?
- 1794 bill supporting the boycott of trade with Britain passed the House.
- It was defeated in the Senate only by the casting vote of the VP.
50
Why does Jays treaty fail?
- Hamilton had secretly informed them that the USA would not join a projected League of Armed Neutrality.
- The treaty fell short of what Jay had been instructed to demand.
51
What were the terms of Jay's Treaty (1794)?
- Britain promised to evacuate northwest forests by 1796.
- Britain agreed to submit American claims for compensation for ship seizures.
- Britain granted American commecerce very limited access to the British West Indies.
- Britain failed the most favoured nation treatment in American commerce.
-Jay promised French privateers would not be outfitted in American ports.
52
What was the American reaction to Jay's Treaty?
- Republicans denounced it as a based surrender to Britain.
- Jay was burnt in effigy and there were demands for his impeachment.
-eventually passed by the senate and Washington signed it because he thought it was better than the alternative which as war with Britain.
53
Why can Jays treaty be seen as a success?
- Britain surrenders its forts.
- Economic boom.
- American trade with Britain and its empire increased three-fold.
54
What was America's relations with Spain like?
- Spain haf encouraged secessionist plots against western-settler colonies/.
- Incited southern Native Americans to attack American settlements.
55
How did America try to fix relations with Spain?
- Sent Thomas Pickney to Madrid.
- Leads to the signing of the Treaty of San Lorenzo.
56
What were the Treaty of San Lorenzo (1795) ?
- Granted the US free use of the Mississippi.
- Accepted American claim to the thirty first parralil as the Flordia boundary.
- Promised to restrain Native Americans from attacking frontiers settlements.
57
Why was Washington concerned with western developments>
- He wants to consolidate US control of the continent.
- America was continuing to edge westwards.
- New western states joined the union - Kentuck (1792) and Tennessee (1796).
58
What did Washington declare in 1789?
- Native American policy was of his highest priority.
59
What was Washingtons aims for native American policy?
- Wanted to create sovereign American Homelands.
- Envisiaged that the Native American occupants of these areas would gradually become assimilated to fully fledged American citizens.
60
What terms does Washington negotiate on Native American policy?
- Treaty of New York with Creek Leader - Alexander McGillivary.
- Restores to the creeks some of the lands ceded in treaties with Georgia.
- Washington issues a proclamation forbidding private or state encroachments on all Native American lands guaranteed by the treaty?
61
Evidence that the Native American treaties made by Washington were unsuccessful:
- Georgian legislatures had defied the proclamation by selling more than 15 million acres on its western borders to speculators.
- In the north white-settler colonists simply moved onto Native American lands.
62
What was the Treaty of Greenville?
- 1794, Native Americans suffer death at the hands of 500 troops led by General Wayne at the battle of fallen timers.
-Native American tribes agree to the Treaty - USA acquired rights to the lands which are now Ohio and Indiana.
63
What did Federalists want when it came to western policy?
- high land prices which would enrich the treasury.
- the sale of large land parcels to speculators - easier and more profitable than small sales of lands to colonists.
64
Lands acts 1796:
Madison and Jefferson accepts the federalist plans - accepting the need for revenue.
- doubles the price of land to $2 per acre.
- too pricey - by 1800 govnermrent land offices had sold fewer 50,000 acres.
65
What was the Whiskey Insurrection?
- 1791 tax on liquor bore heavily on frontier farmers.
- Western Pennsylvania the discontent led to armed resistance.
- 6000 men gathered neat Pittsburgh setting up mock guillotines.
66
How does Washington's government respond to the Whiskey insurrection?
- A force of 13,000 military men raised to deal with the trouble.
- Hamilton led the army.
= Suppressed the whiskey boys and granted amnesty to all rebels who signed an oath to obey the federal governments laws.
67
What was the impact of the Whiskey insurrection?
- Alienated Frontiersmen.
- Hamiltons role in putting down the rebellion led to fear among Republicans of a standing army and military dictatorship.
- Hamilton Reiters in 1795.
68
Why was the 1796 election significant?
- it was the first contested election.
- Washington steps down.
69
What party was Washington said to favour?
- Was seen as federalist towards the end of his second term.
- Washington presented as being under the influence of
- Washington by stepping down sets the precedent for a tow term president.
70
Who was the Republican candidate for the 1796 presidential race?
- Jefferson.
- Aaron Burr was also on the ticket for geographical balance.
71
Who was the Federalists candidate for the 1796 election?
- John Adams.
- Thomas Picking stood for VP.
72
How did Hamilton seek to influence the 1796 election?
- Hamilypon disliked Adam being moderate - wanted the Federalist VP Thomas Pickeny to become President.
73
Why did the electoral college allow Hamilton try and manipulate the election
- Constitution did not require separate balloting for President and VP.
- Electors simply cast two votes without specifying which candidate they wanted to be president.
- Hamilton hoped that southern Republicans would but southerner Thomas Pcikeny as their second choice.
74
What was the result of the 1796 election>
- Some of Adams supporters aware of Hamiltons scheming withhold their seocnf vote.
- Adams with 71 ECV becomes president.
- VP goes to Jefferson.
75
Why did the 1796 election confirm Washington's fears about regional divides?
- Adams votes came almost entirely from northern states.
- Jefferson carried nearly all southern states plus new western states Tennessee and Kentucky.
76
What different groups in America supported the federalists and the republicans?
- Merchants, bankers and manufacturers supported the Federalists.
- Small scale farmers supported the Republicans - commercial farmers tended to support the federalists.
- Urban artisans supported the fderealsits and free black men in the south.
