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A Framework for Government

A Framework for Government. Key Features of the Constitution. The Great Compromise 2 Houses: House of Representatives (based on population) Senate (equal representation) Three-Fifths Compromise Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for both representation and tax purposes. Ratification.

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A Framework for Government

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  1. A Framework for Government

  2. Key Features of the Constitution • The Great Compromise • 2 Houses: • House of Representatives (based on population) • Senate (equal representation) • Three-Fifths Compromise • Slaves counted as 3/5 of a person for both representation and tax purposes

  3. Ratification • Nine out of 13 states had to approve the Constitution • Federalists: supporters of the Constitution (Alexander Hamilton, James Madison) • Anti-Federalists: wanted to add a Bill of Rights to protect individual states’ rights (Thomas Jefferson) • The Federalist: • collection of 85 essays that summarized the arguments for immediate ratification • written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay

  4. The New Constitution Called For… • Popular Sovereignty: rule by the people • Federalism: power divided between federal (national) government and the states • Separation of Powers: power divided among 3 branches of government • Executive • Judicial • Legislative

  5. It Also Called For… • Checks and Balances: each branch of government has the ability to limit the power of the other branches to prevent them from becoming too powerful

  6. George Washington • Elected as 1st President of the United States • Task = take the words of the Constitution and turn them into an effective U.S. government • Needed a cabinet to help with Presidential responsibilities • Thomas Jefferson: Sec. of State • Alexander Hamilton: Treasury Department • Henry Knox: Sec. of War

  7. Financing the Government • Tariff of 1789: required importers to pay a percentage of the value of their cargo when they landed it in the U.S • Sold Bonds to pay for Revolutionary War • paper notes promising to repay money after a certain length of time with interest • Alexander Hamilton proposed the creation of a national bank so Congress could manage its debts and issue paper money • Bank of the United States established in 1791 for a 20 year period

  8. The Whiskey Rebellion • In 1791, Hamilton urged Congress to pass a tax on the manufacture of whiskey • The tax enraged farmers who often used whiskey to pay their debts • In 1794, rebellion erupted in western Pennsylvania • Farmers terrorized tax collectors, stopped court proceedings, robbed the mail and destroyed whiskey distilleries

  9. The Whiskey Rebellion cont. • In August 1794, President Washington sent 15,000 troops to crush the Whiskey Rebellion • Significance: showed the power of the Federal government and the strength of Washington’s presidency

  10. Washington’s Foreign Policy • Shortly after Washington’s inauguration, French Revolution began in France • War spread to Great Britain, who fought against the French • Americans were divided over how to react, but Washington stated that the United States would remain “friendly” and “impartial” towards both powers = NON-INTERVENTION

  11. Federalists Led by Alexander Hamilton Favored strong national government Loose interpretation of the Constitution Wanted to put power in hands of the wealthy Democratic- Republicans Led by Thomas Jefferson Favored strong state governments Strict interpretation of the Constitution Power should be given to all landowners, regardless of wealth Rise of Political Parties

  12. Practice Question • What did the Whiskey Rebellion show about George Washington? • He lacked the ability to forge foreign alliances • He was a strong president who was willing to use federal troops when necessary • He could not efficiently govern a nation because he was not well-respected • He strongly believed that political parties should govern the nation

  13. Practice Question 2. The three-fifths compromise sought to prevent • States with high slave populations from dominating the House of Representatives • The Senate from becoming too powerful within the bicameral system • The Constitution from ultimately being ratified • Antifederalists from winning the debate over federalism

  14. Practice Question 3. Limited government, a system of checks and balances, a separation of the powers in government, and government based on the will of the people, form the foundation for • Northwest Ordinance • United States Constitution • Articles of Confederation • Declaration of Independence

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