Download Study Guide: Chapter 8 (The New Nation 1786

Study Guide: Chapter 8 (The New Nation 1786-1800)
Key Topics:
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The tensions and conflicts between local and national authorities in the decades after the
American Revolution
The struggles to draft the Constitution and to achieve its ratification
Establishment of the first national government under the Constitution
The beginning of American political parties
The first stirrings of an authentic American culture
Summary:
The economic crisis incurred immediately following the civil war was one where inflation was rampant,
debt was ever-present, and there was no formal system of government that could do anything to aid the
newly formed nation. With tensions such as national debt and the value of money plummeting, push
came to shove and movement towards a national government was now necessary.
In 1786, the Legislature of Virginia initiated for all states to send delegates to a convention with the
possibility of a formal constitution in mind. The meeting was only attended by twelve delegates and the
concern shared by these few men led to the declaration for the Annapolis Convention, where
representatives of each state were to meet in Philadelphia to draft a constitution. Fifty-five men who
represented the social and economic elite met in Philadelphia, each representing twelve of the states,
Rhode Island refused to send representation. In what is now known as the Constitutional Convention,
ideas for the new constitution were shared, the most important being the Virginia Plan and New Jersey
plans. Seeing significant potential in both of these plans, the Great Compromise was reached. Working
out the kinks to both of the plans as well as introducing new and important parts to the constitution, the
Great Compromise allowed the creation of a strong national government while still providing an
important role for the states. The issue of slavery was addressed by the three-fifths rule and never in the
Constitution was the actual word “slave” used. Federalists sought the ratification of the constitution and
Anti-Federalists were against it fearing the undermining of the people’s rights. The Bill of Rights was
forged to satisfy the radical Anti-Federalists.
With the institution of a new formal Constitution, appointing leaders to uphold the Constitution was a
grand task. The first Presidency, that of George Washington, was one that paved the way for future
foreign policies, and even the creation of new political parties, i.e., Federalism and Republicanism. “The
Rising Glory of America” as it was then stated was one that was filed with promise, hope, and optimism
for the new country. Once a weak nation under British authority, America was now gaining a sense of
individual identity with the help of American artists, American literature, and the liberty that was given
to the press. No longer debt filled and with the forging of a strong Constitution by men who saw the
future of America as a promising one, America was now truly transformed to a new nation.
Important People:
George Washington—the First president of The United States, helped to draft the Constitution, also
served as a general during the Revolution
Benjamin Franklin, George Mason, Robert Morris—helped to draft the Constitution
James Madison—a delegate from Virginia, helped to draft the Virginia Plan. Took the first steps to
organizing policies that opposed the Washington presidency.
William Patterson—helped to draft the New Jersey Plan
Alexander Hamilton—Treasury Secretary during the Washington administration, played key role in the
beginnings of Foreign policy. His fiscal program dramatically restored the financial crisis in America.
Thomas Paine—famous author of the pamphlets Common Sense (1776) and The American Crisis (17761783) which told about the difficulties America had undergone economically and politically pre-Civil war,
and post-Civil war.
Key Terms and Vocabulary Word:
Nationalists—Group of leaders in the 1780s who spearheaded the drive to replace the Articles of
Confederation with a stronger central government
Annapolis Convention—Conference of state delegates at Annapolis, MD, that issued a call in September
1786 or a convention to meet at Philadelphia to consider fundamental changes
Virginia Plan—Proposal calling for a national legislature in which the states would be represented
according to population
New Jersey Plan—Proposal of the New Jersey delegation for a strengthened national government in
which all states would have an equal representation in a unicameral legislature
Great Compromise—Plan proposed at the 1787 Constitutional Convention for creating a national
bicameral legislature
Federalists—active supporters of the Constitution who favored its ratification
Anti-Federalists—Opponents of the Constitution in the debate over its ratification
Judiciary Act of 1789—Act of Congress that implemented the judiciary clause of the Constitution by
establishing the Supreme Court and a system of lower federal courts
Judicial Review—A power implied in the Constitution that gives federal courts the right to review and
determine the constitutionality of acts passed by Congress and state legislatures
Intercourse Act—Basic law passed by Congress in 1790 which stated that the Unite States would
regulate trade and interaction with Indian tribes.
Jay’s Treaty—Treaty with Britain negotiated in 1794 in which the United States made major concessions
to avert a war over the British seizure of American war ships
Federalism—The sharing of powers between the national government and the states
Republicans—Party headed by Thomas Jefferson that formed in opposition to the financial and
diplomatic policies of the Federalist party; favored limiting the powers of the national government and
XYZ Affair—Diplomatic incident in 1798 in which Americans were outraged by the demand of the French
for a bribe as a condition for negotiating with American diplomats
Quasi-War—Undeclared naval war of 1797 to 1800 between the United States and France
Alien and Sedition Acts—Collective name given to four acts passed by Congress in 1798 that curtailed
freedom of speech and the liberty of foreign residents in the United States
States’ Rights—Favoring the rights of individual states over rights claimed by the national government
Suffrage—The right to vote in a political election
Places and Countries:
France and Britain—The Franco-American Alliance of 1778 required the United Sates to support France
in its war against Britain. Seeing the danger in this situation, Washington declared the treaty
“temporarily and provisionally suspended.”
Britain—to eliminate the British from the Northern fur trade
Spain—the fight over the Mississippi river and its use
The West—the Indian problem continued to pose a threat to the United State
Timeline:
1786-1787
1786
1787
1789
1790
1793
Shay’s Rebellion, where armed movement of debtridden farmers in western MA in the winter of 17861787. The rebellion created a tension.
Annapolis Convention in Annapolis, MD where the
invitation for delegates to meet in Philadelphia was
ordered.
Constitutional Conventions begin in Philadelphia; Great
Compromise between VA and NJ plans is reached.
Ratification of U.S. Constitution, James Madison
transforms the Bill of Rights; George Washington is
inaugurated as the first president of the U.S.; Judiciary
Act of 1789 is passed; Tariff of 1789 is passed; French
Revolution begins.
Intercourse Act is passed to regulate trade and
intercourse with the Indian tribes.
France and England at war; Chisholm v. Georgia
1794
1796
1797-1798
1800
Jay’s Treaty is negotiated in which the U.S. averts a
war over the British seizure of ships; Whiskey
Rebellion
The beginnings of new political parties; Federalism
and Republicanism; Washington’s farewell
address, John Adams steps into presidency
XYZ Affair; Quasi- ar; Alien and Sedition Acts
Thomas Jefferson elected president, the first
election in which Federalists and Republicans
acted as national parties; the Fourth of July
becomes an important holiday.