Unit 4 Lesson 1 A New Nation Flashcards
When the George Washington become president?
In April 1789, George Washington took the oath of office and became the first president of the United States.
Who was George Washington’s vice president?
John Adams was elected to serve as his vice president.
Were there many political parties in the past?
Although there were no formal political parties then like there are today,
Washington was sympathetic to the group that became known as the..
Federalist Party
How did Federalists view poltical particpiation
For Federalists, political participation was dependent upon property. This barred many people from having a say in government.
How did Federalists view the social class?
Federalists also believed that the American Revolution did not fundamentally change the social roles between men and women, or between whites and other races.
For Federalists who controlled govrement?
To them, government was to be controlled by the elite, the educated, and the wealthy.
How did Federalsits belive a goverment should be?
Finally, Federalists believed that the government should be strong. This meant that it had more power than individual states and could have a direct role in areas such as the economy.
Upon taking office, Washington and his Federalist supporters took several important and precedent-setting actions. These included the following:
- The bill of rights
- a cabinet
- the judcicary Act of 1789
What was the role of the Cabinet?
A cabinet of advisors and department leaders was created to help run the government. It included the posts of secretary of state, secretary of the treasury, secretary of war, and attorney general.
What was the Judiciary Act of 1789?
The Judiciary Act of 1789 was passed. It created a Supreme Court made up of six justices.
Who did Washington elected as secretary of the treasury?
Washington selected Alexander Hamilton as secretary of the treasury.
Who was Alexadndar and what did he belive in
Hamilton was the leader of the Federalists and believed that a strong federal government was needed to solve the nation’s financial problems.
When Washington took office, the United States was deep in debt. Go more in debt
Both the federal government and the states owed millions of dollars to foreign nations as well as people in the United States. Since 1780, the U.S. had not repaid these debts and was considered a credit risk, meaning it was difficult for the country to borrow additional funds.
What were the main steps of Hamilton’s Financial Program
- Step 1: Guarantee all Debt will be Paid Back
- Step 2: Create a Bank
- Step 3: Raise Taxes
Elaborate Step 1: Guarantee all Debt will be Paid Back of Hamiltions Finaicnal plan
The federal government needed to honor both its own debt, plus interest, and promise to pay back the states’ debts. In a sense, Hamilton believed debt was good. If the U.S. owed money to foreign governments and wealthy investors, they would want the country to succeed. For example, if the U.S. owed money to France and the U.S. agreed to pay it back, it would be in France’s interest for the U.S. to prosper.
Elborate Step 2 of Hamitons Fincial program what was the Bank of the United States?
Hamilton also argued that a Bank of the United States was needed to stabilize the economy. At the time, several different currencies were being used throughout the country. A national bank could print money and be the place where the federal government deposited its funds.
Did the consitution say anything about a bank?
Even though the Constitution said nothing about a bank, Hamilton believed the power was “implied” in Article I Section 8
Elaborate the thrid step of Hamilation Fincial plan what was a excise tax?
To raise revenue to pay off the debt, Hamilton proposed taxes. The two he favored were an excise tax, or tax on the purchase of specific goods, as well as a tariff, or tax, on imports.
How did Hamilton feel about America manufactoring?
Hamilton also believed it was vital that America develop manufacturing so it would not have to rely on European goods. The tariffs, as well as additional government incentives, were meant to jump-start American industry.
How much did the country owe as a whole?
The country owed around $78 million.
Whom did the U.S. owe the most money to?
The country owed the most in domestic debt, or money to people in the country.
Who was Wshingtons Secretary of State?
Thomas Jefferson.
Jefferson and his followers had the following problems with Hamilton’s policies:
- They made the government too powerful.
- They were unconstitutional.
- They favored businesspeople and easterners at the expense of farmers.