Federalist Era

Question 1

Federalist Era

Answer 1

The Federalist Era (1789-1801) was a time when
the Federalist Party was dominant in American
politics. This period saw the adoption of the
United States Constitution, the expansion of the
federal government, and its move to Washington
D.C., the new national capitol.

Question 2

George Washington

Answer 2

He established the standard for the presidency.

 Bill of Rights added as promised by the Federalists.

 President’s Cabinet (Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson,
Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of
War Henry Knox, and Postmaster General Samuel Osgood) was
created.

 SCOTUS created by the Constitution; the Federal Judiciary
Act, 1789 established the federal court system with Chief
Justice John Jay and Attorney General Edmund Randolph.

 Washington wanted disinterested statesmen to lead the nation
not professional politicians

Question 3

Hamilton’s Economic Program

Answer 3

transform an economically weak cluster of states
into a powerful nation and global power comparable to Great
Britain.

 To do so the US needed to unleash the energy and ambition of its citizens so as to create a vibrant economy driven by the engines of capitalism.

 Hamilton wanted a three part economic program to enhance the new nation. 6 Assumption Plan

Question 4

Assumption plan

Answer 4

Assumed Confederation debt ($56 million) and Revolutionary
War debt ($22 million).

 Hamilton’s goals: (1) Establish the credit of the US
(2) Create confidence in the government (3) Align business
with government.

 Washington, DC created (July 1790) in a compromise with Thomas Jefferson that allowed the passage of Hamilton’s economic program. (Jefferson was the first President to serve in the new capital after the election of 1800.

Question 5

Bank of the US

Answer 5

Capitalized at $10 million, with a 20 year charter and a 25 man board with 5 presidential appointments to the board