The Constitution at The Constitution at Work Work

1789-18161789-1816*Who were the first Presidents *Who were the first Presidents

under the Constitution?under the Constitution?*What does “unwritten *What does “unwritten Constitution” mean?Constitution” mean?

*What issues threatened our *What issues threatened our country in its early years?country in its early years?

I. Washington

1789-1796

A. Unwritten Constitution= PRECEDENTS

1. Cabinet (4 offices)

2. Political parties form

(Federalists & Democratic-Republicans)

3. Lobbying

4. 2 term limit for President

B. Domestic Issues

1. Hamilton’s financial plan promotes economic

stability

a) Excise tax

b) National bank

c) Assumption of state debts

** Debates over the constitutionality of this plan

leads to the formation of the first political parties

2. Whiskey Rebellion leads to use of

federal troops

against the citizens

C. Foreign Issues

1. French Revolution

Should we get involved? Who do we support?

2. Neutrality Proclamation

3. Jay’s Treaty (with Britain)

4. Pinckney’s Treaty (with Spain)

Do Now: Summarize and describe Washington’s Presidency.

Was it a success or failure?

Be sure to cite evidence.

II. John Adams

1796-1800

A. First peaceful transfer of power

in the federal government

B. Continues Washington’s Federalist tone

C. Domestic Issues

1. Alien & Sedition Acts

2. Kentucky & Virginia Resolutions

(Doctrine of Nullification)

D. Foreign Issues

1. French Revolution

2. XYZ Affair

Do Now: Evaluate Adam’s Presidency. Success or failure?

*cite evidence!

III. Thomas Jefferson

1800-1808

A. First peaceful transfer of power

BETWEEN political parties

B. Won the first contested election (which

lead to the ratification of the 12th Amendment)

C. Domestic Issues

1. Marshall Court establishes the

power of the Judicial Branch

2. Louisiana Purchase

D. Used a new economic tool in

foreign affairs…the EMBARGO

IV. James Madison

1808-1816

A. Asks Congress for the first declaration

of war in 1812 (against the British)

B. Causes

1. Support of Indian Attacks on Settlers (1790-1812)

2. Southerners want Florida

3. Impressment (1805)

4. Interference of trade (1809)

5. War Hawks want to expel Britain from North America (1811)

HW: Test Monday

Do Now: List as many constitutional issues during this unit as possible.

C. War ends with the signing of the

Treaty of Ghent in 1815

D. Effects

1. nationalism spreads

2. Need for strong military

3. Ends Federalist Party

(Hartford Convention)

4. Put down Native resistance

5. Americans settle in Florida

1.1.Who were the first Who were the first PresidentsPresidents

under the Constitution?under the Constitution?2. What does “unwritten 2. What does “unwritten

Constitution” mean?Constitution” mean?3. What issues threatened our 3. What issues threatened our

country in its early years?country in its early years?