Heimler's History: Implementation of the U.S. Constitution

Introduction

• Focus: Application of America's Constitution during the presidencies of George Washington and John Adams
• Context: Previous videos discussed ratification and content of the Constitution

George Washington's Presidency

Establishment of Executive Departments

• Washington elected first President
• Created executive departments:
  • Treasury, War, State, and Justice Departments
  • Each headed by a secretary forming Washington’s cabinet

Alexander Hamilton's Financial Policies

• National Bank: Key policy
  • Aim: Unify states, improve U.S. credit
  • Strategy: Absorb state debts into national debt
  • Controversial: Debated over constitutional validity
  • Justified by the "Necessary and Proper Clause"
• Result: Stabilized national economy

Foreign Policy Challenges

French Revolution

• Debate over aiding France
• Proclamation of Neutrality: 1793
  • Washington's stance against Thomas Jefferson
  • Edmond Genet controversy

Jay’s Treaty

• Objective: Address British seizure of American ships
• Outcome: British vacated western frontier posts

Pinckney Treaty

• Negotiated with Spain:
  • U.S. right to use New Orleans port
  • Defined southern U.S. border

Domestic Challenges

Westward Expansion

• Conflicts with American Indians
• Battle of Fallen Timbers: 1794
  • U.S. victory led to Indian surrender of Ohio Valley lands

Whiskey Rebellion

• Hamilton’s tax on whiskey
• Washington's decisive military response
  • Demonstrated the effectiveness of the Constitution

Emergence of Political Parties

Federalists

• Led by Alexander Hamilton
• Advocated for a strong central government
• Favored urban and elite interests

Democratic-Republicans

• Led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison
• Focused on states' rights
• Favored rural and agricultural interests

Washington’s Farewell Address

• Warned against political factions and alliances with Europe

John Adams' Presidency

XYZ Affair

• French demand bribe from American diplomats
• Resulted in national outrage

Alien and Sedition Acts

• Alien Acts: Government could deport non-citizens
• Sedition Acts: Illegal to criticize government
• Democratic-Republican backlash: Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions advocating for states' rights

Conclusion

• Adams not reelected; Thomas Jefferson became President in 1800
• Encouragement to use resources for exam preparation and course success