Foundations of the American Republic and Early Expansion

A New Capital: Washington, D.C.

The capital was established in a district between Maryland and Virginia.

Establishing the New Government

President Washington and Congress worked together to set up the federal government:

• Cabinet: Created to administer government departments.
• Court System: Established the judicial branch.
• Bill of Rights: Added to protect individual liberties.
• Economy: Plans were made to pay debts and raise money.

The Whiskey Rebellion

• Congress passed a tax on whiskey.
• Farmers attacked tax collectors in protest.
• Washington sent federal troops to suppress the uprising.
• The government successfully maintained order and demonstrated its authority.

Jefferson’s Revolution: Simplifying Government

Thomas Jefferson sought to limit the power of the federal government, emphasizing states' rights and a "hands-off" policy. He cut the federal budget and military spending while eliminating most federal taxes.

The Louisiana Purchase

• Napoleon Bonaparte needed money for France's war with Great Britain.
• Jefferson worried he lacked the Constitutional authority to purchase land.
• Ultimately, he used his treaty-making powers to finalize the deal.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition

An expedition was commissioned to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. The journey lasted 28 months and covered 4,000 miles.

The Spoils System and Expanded Suffrage

The "Spoils System" involved giving government jobs to political supporters. During this era, voting rights were expanded to include more white males who did not own property. Additionally, the Bank of the United States was eliminated because it was seen as favoring the rich over the poor.

The Indian Removal Act of 1830

This act created Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma. In 1838, the Trail of Tears occurred as the Army forcibly relocated Native Americans. Of the 15,000 people relocated, approximately one-fourth died during the journey.

Jefferson and Hamilton: Differing Visions

Washington tried to resolve the differences between his cabinet members, but both eventually resigned.

Jefferson: Democratic-Republican

• Feared a strong federal government.
• Advocated for States' Rights (power to the states).
• Favored a strict reading of the Constitution.
• Believed ordinary people should be involved in government.
• Backed France in international affairs.

Hamilton: Federalist

• Favored a strong federal government.
• Supported a loose reading of the Constitution.
• Believed ordinary people were not wise enough to govern.
• Backed England in international affairs.

John Adams: Second President (1797–1801)

A New Party in Power

• Before 1803, the candidate with the most votes became President, and the runner-up became Vice President.
• With Jefferson's rise, the Democratic-Republicans took over leadership from the Federalists.

The Election of 1800

• John Adams (Federalist): 65 votes
• Charles Pinckney (Federalist): 64 votes
• Thomas Jefferson (Democratic-Republican): 73 votes
• Aaron Burr (Democratic-Republican): 73 votes

Jefferson and Burr tied, but the party preferred Jefferson. The House of Representatives had to decide the outcome. After 35 rounds of voting and assistance from Alexander Hamilton, Jefferson won.

Thomas Jefferson: Third President (1801–1809)