At the start of the American Revolutionary War in 1776, the Continental Congress began organizing a government to manage the revolution. This was primarily to conduct the war, diplomacy, and territory issues. The Articles of Confederation was thus established to unite the thirteen original colonies into a legitimate government. This document served as the first original contract of the United States and outlined the laws of which the nation would be governed by. It was completely ratified and accepted by 1781, however after the end of the war, it began to receive heavy criticism amongst nationalists, for being too weak of a government.
After the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the new nation experienced some time of peace and prosperity. Gen George Washington resigned his military command and went to retire at Mount Vernon. However there were still issues of debt incurred from the war, which was not entirely addressed in the Articles of Confederation. This resulted in a nationalist movement, of Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton calling for a stronger federal government. In 1787, these Federalists were able to convince Congress to assemble a new agreement at the Philadelphia Convention.
The Philadelphia Convention
The Convention began on May 14th of 1787 with an intention to revise the Articles of Confederation. All of the top dog founding fathers were called to attend, and George Washington was appointed to preside over the Constitution. Alexander Hamilton and James Madison were the two key proponents of the convention, and presented their case for an entirely new federal government. Among the issues of discussion was the system of government, the need for an executive leader, a representative congress, a branch of judges, the length of terms, an election process, and the practice of slavery.
On September 17, 1787 the Convention agreed upon a new US Constitution as the supreme law of the nation. The government was thus established as a federal system of three separate powers; an executive branch, legislative branch, and judicial branch. This made for a fair democratic system known as checks-and-balances, where each elected office had equal powers. Through it's system of federalism, the power to govern was shared between national governments and local/state governments. The Constitution's greatest flaw was that it ignored the issue of slavery, since many of the delegates themselves were slave-owners. The Constitution was however the official establishment of the US government, and George Washington became the 1st to preside over it.
The Federal District of Colombia
The idea of a national capital began after the war, amongst the Federalists such as Alexander Hamilton and James Madison. The founding fathers thus agreed upon a small district as a seat of the national government. In the Residence Act of 1790, this location was selected by George Washington, a territory of 10 square miles along the Potomac River. The city was fittingly called the Washington DC. Construction began shortly after on monumental locations such as The White House and the US Capitol Building. John Adams became the 1st president to reside in the White House in 1797. In 1801, Congress began it's first session in the city.
Bill of Rights
By 1789, a number of delegates began to feel that the Constitution had overlooked personal liberty and property. James Madison thus introduced a series of articles intended to protect human's natural rights. These Amendments to the Constitution were presented to Congress on August 21, 1789 and ten of which were officially ratified on December 15, 1789. Here are the Bill of Rights:
1. Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion, Assembly, and Right to Petition
2. Right to Bear Arms
3. Protection from Soldier Occupation in Time of Peace
4. Protection from Unreasonable Search or Seizure
5. Right of Due Process in Court
6. Right of a Public Trail by Jury (Criminal Prosecutions)
7. Right of a Civil Trail by Jury (Common Law)
8. Protection from Cruel and Unsual Punishment
9. Protection from Certain Rights not Mentioned in Constitution
10. Powers of the States and People
Presidency of George Washington
Following the ratification of the Constitution, an electoral college was assembled to chose a leader. It was of course not a question as to who should be the first president of the new nation; the very popular, General George Washington. He was unopposed and won 100% of the electoral votes. John Adams was elected as his vice president. George Washington was officially inaugurated on April 30th, 1789 at Federal Hall in New York City. He began his administration in New York City, while the capital of DC was in it's early development.
He was ultimately opposed to political parties, however agreed on the concept of a federal united nation. He was consulted by many of the founding fathers, yet was most in-line with Alexander Hamilton's approach of "federalism". Much of Washington's presidency was dedicated to the organization of the executive office, as well as economic affairs. He established a Cabinet of consultants, such as the Secretary of State, War, Treasury, Postmaster, and Attorney General. He also established a Supreme Court of 6 federal judges through the Judiciary Act of 1789.
Washington's economic policy was mostly concerned with the debts caused from the Revolutionary War which were quite severe. His Secretary of Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, convinced him to start a national bank while his Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, believed in an independent economic system. This economic dispute became the foundation of early political parties such as the Federalists and the Democratic-Republican parties. The debate grew violent when Hamilton issued a tax on grain farmers, which resulted in the Whiskey Rebellion. Washington did his best to remain neutral on these political-economic disagreements and maintain compromise throughout his two terms.
As for foreign affairs, Washington was quite devoted to maintaining a neutral stance. Diplomatic tensions continued with Great Britain, yet he was able to secure peace through the Jay Treaty in 1795. At the start of his presidency, the French Revolution had begun and war between France and England had consumed Europe. Many Americans felt they should return France's favor, and come to their aid. However America was still recovering from it's own revolution, and Washington knew it was in its best interest to remain neutral.
He reluctantly accepted a salary and a 2nd term, and entirely refused a 3rd term. His presidency came to an end in 1797. In his Farewell Address he emphasized the importance of a united nation and it's constitution and the evils of political parties and sectionalism. He also defended his neutrality on foreign affairs and that America should rather focus on it's domestic affairs. George Washington would then go to retire at Mount Vernon, as the undeniable father of our country. His political ideals were later put to opposition by his successors, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Presidency of John Adams
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Throughout the Revolution, John Adams had established himself as a significant statesman and diplomatic leader. He was a key player in the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress, and conducting diplomacy with France. He had also served two terms as Vice President for George Washington.
In 1797 in the first contested presidential election, John Adams won as the Federalist nominee against the Democratic-Republican, Thomas Jefferson. As president he continued Washington's example of republicanism, emphasizing civic duties and avoiding political entanglements. While Washington DC was still under construction, he occupied the President's House in Philadelphia, for most his term. In November of 1800 he became the first president to reside in the White House.
However foreign affairs grew more complex as the French Revolutionary Wars continued to expand throughout Europe. Americans were in disagreement over whether they should support the British or France, and how they should support them. This issue was finally settled during the XYZ affair, a diplomatic disagreement between France and America. President John Adams used the event to trigger an undeclared Quasi-War with France mostly fought in the seas. He also passed the controversial Aliens and Sedition Acts, to maintain order in the nation and avoid a similar scenario as seen in France's Reign of Terror.
John Adams was able to quell diplomatic tension and maintain order in his country, however the growing political opposition eventually subdued him. In 1801, he was unable to win his reelection against Thomas Jefferson. He however remained very active in the governments affairs, and established one of the first family dynasty in politics. His son, John Quincy Adams, would go on to be the sixth president.
Presidency of Thomas Jefferson
In 1801, Thomas Jefferson won the election and became the third president of the United States. He also had a highly respectable resume as a founding father; he wrote the Declaration of Independence, served on the Continental Congress, served as Washington's first secretary of state, and served as Adam's vice president. With the support of James Madison, Jefferson ushered in a new era of political direction through his Democratic-Republican ideology. This political party was against the previous ideals of federalism and instead favored state-rights and republicanism.
As President he made significant achievements in expanding the territory. In 1803 he purchased a vast region of land from France, known as the Louisiana Purchase. He then sent an expedition led by Lewis and Clark to explore the new western lands. He hoped that the Native Americans would assimilate to white culture, yet also felt they should be moved to the west. His attitudes towards the Native Americans, were derived from the Revolutionary War and numerous rebellions, and it would eventually lead to a total Indian Removal by Andrew Jackson in 1830. As a counter to this however, he was one of the earliest advocates against slavery, even though he was a slave-owner himself. He passed a law that banned the importation of slaves into the United States.
During his presidency, foreign affairs continued to escalate with the start of the Napoleonic Wars. At the time America had diplomatic tension with both France and Britain, and thought it best to remain neutral. However with the growing threat of Napoleon's military dominance, Jefferson passed an embargo act in 1807. This was intended to give a strong world message, however ultimately affected the country's economy.
Although foreign issues and the embargo affected the US economy, the political direction of Thomas Jefferson was able to endure for the next 20 years. He was succeeded by presidents who shared his republicanism ideals, such as James Madison, James Monroe, and John Quincy Adams. During this time, political parties would also come into shape, and eventually split into Republicans, Whigs, and Democrats. In the 1830s the direction was once again changed with Andrew Jackson's Democratic ideals. By the 1850s, the politics began to once again change, revolving around slavery and eventually a civil war. Despite the constant political and diplomatic opposition, the United States has always remained true to it's democratic foundation.
After the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the new nation experienced some time of peace and prosperity. Gen George Washington resigned his military command and went to retire at Mount Vernon. However there were still issues of debt incurred from the war, which was not entirely addressed in the Articles of Confederation. This resulted in a nationalist movement, of Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton calling for a stronger federal government. In 1787, these Federalists were able to convince Congress to assemble a new agreement at the Philadelphia Convention.
The Philadelphia Convention
The Convention began on May 14th of 1787 with an intention to revise the Articles of Confederation. All of the top dog founding fathers were called to attend, and George Washington was appointed to preside over the Constitution. Alexander Hamilton and James Madison were the two key proponents of the convention, and presented their case for an entirely new federal government. Among the issues of discussion was the system of government, the need for an executive leader, a representative congress, a branch of judges, the length of terms, an election process, and the practice of slavery.
The Federal District of Colombia
The idea of a national capital began after the war, amongst the Federalists such as Alexander Hamilton and James Madison. The founding fathers thus agreed upon a small district as a seat of the national government. In the Residence Act of 1790, this location was selected by George Washington, a territory of 10 square miles along the Potomac River. The city was fittingly called the Washington DC. Construction began shortly after on monumental locations such as The White House and the US Capitol Building. John Adams became the 1st president to reside in the White House in 1797. In 1801, Congress began it's first session in the city.
Bill of Rights
By 1789, a number of delegates began to feel that the Constitution had overlooked personal liberty and property. James Madison thus introduced a series of articles intended to protect human's natural rights. These Amendments to the Constitution were presented to Congress on August 21, 1789 and ten of which were officially ratified on December 15, 1789. Here are the Bill of Rights:
1. Freedom of Speech, Press, Religion, Assembly, and Right to Petition
2. Right to Bear Arms
3. Protection from Soldier Occupation in Time of Peace
4. Protection from Unreasonable Search or Seizure
5. Right of Due Process in Court
6. Right of a Public Trail by Jury (Criminal Prosecutions)
7. Right of a Civil Trail by Jury (Common Law)
8. Protection from Cruel and Unsual Punishment
9. Protection from Certain Rights not Mentioned in Constitution
10. Powers of the States and People
Presidency of George Washington
Following the ratification of the Constitution, an electoral college was assembled to chose a leader. It was of course not a question as to who should be the first president of the new nation; the very popular, General George Washington. He was unopposed and won 100% of the electoral votes. John Adams was elected as his vice president. George Washington was officially inaugurated on April 30th, 1789 at Federal Hall in New York City. He began his administration in New York City, while the capital of DC was in it's early development.
He was ultimately opposed to political parties, however agreed on the concept of a federal united nation. He was consulted by many of the founding fathers, yet was most in-line with Alexander Hamilton's approach of "federalism". Much of Washington's presidency was dedicated to the organization of the executive office, as well as economic affairs. He established a Cabinet of consultants, such as the Secretary of State, War, Treasury, Postmaster, and Attorney General. He also established a Supreme Court of 6 federal judges through the Judiciary Act of 1789.Washington's economic policy was mostly concerned with the debts caused from the Revolutionary War which were quite severe. His Secretary of Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, convinced him to start a national bank while his Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, believed in an independent economic system. This economic dispute became the foundation of early political parties such as the Federalists and the Democratic-Republican parties. The debate grew violent when Hamilton issued a tax on grain farmers, which resulted in the Whiskey Rebellion. Washington did his best to remain neutral on these political-economic disagreements and maintain compromise throughout his two terms.
He reluctantly accepted a salary and a 2nd term, and entirely refused a 3rd term. His presidency came to an end in 1797. In his Farewell Address he emphasized the importance of a united nation and it's constitution and the evils of political parties and sectionalism. He also defended his neutrality on foreign affairs and that America should rather focus on it's domestic affairs. George Washington would then go to retire at Mount Vernon, as the undeniable father of our country. His political ideals were later put to opposition by his successors, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Presidency of John Adams
Throughout the Revolution, John Adams had established himself as a significant statesman and diplomatic leader. He was a key player in the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress, and conducting diplomacy with France. He had also served two terms as Vice President for George Washington.In 1797 in the first contested presidential election, John Adams won as the Federalist nominee against the Democratic-Republican, Thomas Jefferson. As president he continued Washington's example of republicanism, emphasizing civic duties and avoiding political entanglements. While Washington DC was still under construction, he occupied the President's House in Philadelphia, for most his term. In November of 1800 he became the first president to reside in the White House.
However foreign affairs grew more complex as the French Revolutionary Wars continued to expand throughout Europe. Americans were in disagreement over whether they should support the British or France, and how they should support them. This issue was finally settled during the XYZ affair, a diplomatic disagreement between France and America. President John Adams used the event to trigger an undeclared Quasi-War with France mostly fought in the seas. He also passed the controversial Aliens and Sedition Acts, to maintain order in the nation and avoid a similar scenario as seen in France's Reign of Terror.
John Adams was able to quell diplomatic tension and maintain order in his country, however the growing political opposition eventually subdued him. In 1801, he was unable to win his reelection against Thomas Jefferson. He however remained very active in the governments affairs, and established one of the first family dynasty in politics. His son, John Quincy Adams, would go on to be the sixth president.
Presidency of Thomas Jefferson
In 1801, Thomas Jefferson won the election and became the third president of the United States. He also had a highly respectable resume as a founding father; he wrote the Declaration of Independence, served on the Continental Congress, served as Washington's first secretary of state, and served as Adam's vice president. With the support of James Madison, Jefferson ushered in a new era of political direction through his Democratic-Republican ideology. This political party was against the previous ideals of federalism and instead favored state-rights and republicanism.
As President he made significant achievements in expanding the territory. In 1803 he purchased a vast region of land from France, known as the Louisiana Purchase. He then sent an expedition led by Lewis and Clark to explore the new western lands. He hoped that the Native Americans would assimilate to white culture, yet also felt they should be moved to the west. His attitudes towards the Native Americans, were derived from the Revolutionary War and numerous rebellions, and it would eventually lead to a total Indian Removal by Andrew Jackson in 1830. As a counter to this however, he was one of the earliest advocates against slavery, even though he was a slave-owner himself. He passed a law that banned the importation of slaves into the United States. During his presidency, foreign affairs continued to escalate with the start of the Napoleonic Wars. At the time America had diplomatic tension with both France and Britain, and thought it best to remain neutral. However with the growing threat of Napoleon's military dominance, Jefferson passed an embargo act in 1807. This was intended to give a strong world message, however ultimately affected the country's economy.
Although foreign issues and the embargo affected the US economy, the political direction of Thomas Jefferson was able to endure for the next 20 years. He was succeeded by presidents who shared his republicanism ideals, such as James Madison, James Monroe, and John Quincy Adams. During this time, political parties would also come into shape, and eventually split into Republicans, Whigs, and Democrats. In the 1830s the direction was once again changed with Andrew Jackson's Democratic ideals. By the 1850s, the politics began to once again change, revolving around slavery and eventually a civil war. Despite the constant political and diplomatic opposition, the United States has always remained true to it's democratic foundation.
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