The Early Republic: Conflicts at Home and Abroad, 1789-1800

990 Words4 Pages
The Early Republic: Conflicts at Home and Abroad, 1789-1800 I. Introduction Americans assumed that the Constitution would create consensus, but the nation still faced political, economic, and diplomatic questions that led to partisan politics during the 1790s. II. Building a Workable Government A. Tasks of the First Congress The First Congress had the tasks of raising money, creating a bill of rights, setting up the executive departments, and organizing the federal judiciary. B. Madison and the First Congress James Madison persuaded Congress to adopt the Revenue Act of 1789. Madison also took the lead in presenting the constitutional amendments that came to be called the Bill of Rights. C. Bill of Rights The states ratified ten amendments, which became part of the Constitution on December 15, 1791. D. Executive Branch Congress organized the executive branch with three main departments¾War, State, and Treasury¾and granted the President the authority to dismiss appointed officials. E. Federal Judiciary The Judiciary Act established a Supreme Court, defined federal jurisdiction, created district and appeals courts, and allowed for appeals from state courts to federal courts. III. Domestic Policy Under Washington and Hamilton A. Washington’s First Steps Washington understood the importance his actions would have as precedents, and moved cautiously at first. B. Alexander Hamilton Hamilton’s zeal had attracted the favor of Washington, who appointed him Secretary of the Treasury. Nationalism and cynicism shaped Hamilton’s policies. C. National and State Debts Hamilton wanted the government to repay its debt at full value and to assume the war debts of the states. D. Hamilton’s Financial Plan Hamilton hoped to extend the authority of the national government and gain the support of securities holders.
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