Chapter 1:



Brown/APUSH

American History

Chapter 6 p. 159-178

The Constitution and the New Republic

1787-1800

Chapter Summary

The period between 1785 and 1800 was one of the most politically productive in American history. During these fifteen years, the nation, guided by some of the most talented men in its history, reorganized itself under a new framework of government and then struggled to define(for itself as well as for others(just what had been created. It was a period marked by the rise of a party that called itself Federalist, although the philosophy it espoused was, as its opponents were quick to point out, more "nationalist" in emphasis. Arguing that in order to prosper, the United States had best follow the economic and political example of Great Britain, these Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, injected foreign policy into domestic differences and set the stage for one of the earliest and most serious assaults by the government on individual civil liberties. Seeing their less elitist, pro-agriculture Republican opponents as supporters of the enemy in an undeclared war with France, the Federalists set out to suppress dissent and those who promoted it. The Federalist assault on liberties brought a swift response and so heightened tensions that many feared that the nation could not survive. It was against this background that a shift of power occurred. By end of the decade, the Federalists, who had been the moving force for so many years, were clearly losing ground to the Republicans. This meant that if wounds were to be healed and divisions mended, it would have to be done by the man many believed to be the personification of all that separated the two groups(Thomas Jefferson.

Chapter Six Main Themes

1.

➢ The origins of and debates surrounding the US Constitution, and how they were resolved.

2.

➢ The differing views of what the nation should become, and how these differences led to the rise of the Federalists, the Republicans, and America's "first party system."

➢ The ways in which the new United States tried to establish itself as a nation in the eyes of both foreign powers and its own people.

➢ The rise and fall of the Federalist Party and the background of the "Revolution of 1800."

Top-Ten Analytical Journal

Alexander Hamilton Alien and Sedition Acts Antifederalists

Bill of Rights Checks and balances Citizen Genet affair

Federalists Federal structure Great Compromise

James Madison Jay's Treaty John Adams

New Jersey Plan Pinckney's Treaty Quasi war

Republicans Revolution of 1800 Separation of powers

Sovereignty The Federalist Papers XYZ Affair

Virginia Plan Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions Whiskey Rebellion

Defining the chapter terms in your journals will help you better understand:

• The groups that advocated a stronger national government and how they were able to achieve their objective.

• The origin and work of the Constitutional Convention and how the delegates were able to achieve a consensus.

• The historical debate concerning the motives of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention.

• Federalism and how the Constitution is designed to make it work.

• The effectiveness of George Washington's solutions to the problems of the presidency and how Washington, as its first occupant, affected the office and the nation.

• The financial program of Alexander Hamilton and its contribution to the success of the new government.

• The ways in which the new nation coped with international problems.

• The emergence of political parties, their political philosophies, and their influence in the election of 1800.

Each of the terms above contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up the passage of the Constitution and the consequences of its passage. As you define these terms, demonstrate how each person, event, concept, or issue is important to a thorough understanding of the chapter.

Long Essay Questions

1. Americans have argued continuously about what the framers of the Constitution meant at the time it was written, and whether it was intended to be a flexible document that should change with the ebb and flow of American society, or a fixed document deeply rooted in the original intent of the Founding Fathers. Explain how historians have interpreted these issues over time. Which historical argument do you find most compelling? Why?

2. Analyze the effectiveness of the government under the Articles of Confederation. Many scholars have argued that compromise is the essential ingredient of politics. Explain the role of compromise in shaping the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

3. Which do you feel best represented the ideals of America in the early 19th century ( The Jeffersonian Democratic Republicans or the Hamiltonian Federalists? How does this dispute continue to influence 21st century politics?

Long essay Tips

• Questions from this era often ask you to discuss political, economic, and social changes that resulted from the American Revolution.

• Interpretations of the Articles of Confederation vary from being a dark “critical period” in which little was accomplished to its successes in winning the war, negotiating peace, and settleing the West. There is evidence to support both. Pay particular attention to the issue of compromise in the constitution, especially over issues of representation and slavery.

• Political parties emerge during Washington’s first administration. Take care to understand the federalist and Republican ideologies.

• Analyze the issues that led to the formation of the Federalist and Republican Parties during the Federalist era.

• How did the United States attempt to achieve independence and stature in foreign affairs during the Washington and Adam’s administration?

DBQ Exam Tip

• Evaluate whether the Articles of Confederation or the Federal Constitution best fulfilled the principles for which the Revolutionary War was fought.

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