The Foundations of the United States Government
In this assignment, you will explore the early efforts to establish a stable national government in the United States and the ideological differences between two of its founding figures, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. Understanding these foundational steps and debates will provide insight into the development of the American political system and the formation of political parties.
Group 1
This section focuses on the steps taken during the Washington administration and the First and Second Congresses to establish a stable national government. One major action taken by the Washington administration to create a stable national government was the development of the U.S. financial system. In 1790, President George Washington appointed Alexander Hamilton as the first Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton came up with a plan to manage the country’s debts from the Revolutionary War and to create a national bank. This plan helped the economy grow and made the government more trustworthy to other nations and investors. By organizing the nation’s finances, Washington’s administration laid the groundwork for a strong and stable government. In addition to the financial system, the Judiciary Act of 1789 helped strengthen the national government. This law set up the federal court system, which made sure that laws were followed fairly and equally in all states. The act created a Supreme Court with six justices and set up lower courts to handle legal cases. By creating a clear system for courts to follow, it helped solve problems and kept the government strong by making sure everyone followed the law. Another important step was the Bill of Rights, passed in 1791. The Bill of Rights is made up of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, and it protected important rights and freedoms. For example, the First Amendment made sure people could speak freely, practice their religion, and publish newspapers without fear of government punishment. The Second Amendment gave people the right to own weapons, which was important for protection. The Fourth Amendment made sure people couldn’t be searched or have their homes entered without a good reason. These rights were important to Americans who worried about the government becoming too powerful. The Bill of Rights helped build trust in the new government by protecting people’s freedoms. These actions—the financial system, the Judiciary Act of 1789, and the Bill of Rights—helped create a strong, fair, and lasting national government that respected people’s rights.
Question 1a
Short answer
Identify one major action taken by the Washington administration to establish a stable national government.
Question 1b
Short answer
Explain how the Judiciary Act of 1789 contributed to the stability of the national government.
Question 1c
Essay
Discuss the significance of the Bill of Rights in establishing a lasting national government. Include specific examples of rights that were protected and how they addressed concerns of the time.
Group 2
This section explores the contrasting views of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton and how these differences led to the formation of political parties.
Question 2a
Multiple choice
Which of the following best describes Alexander Hamilton's vision for the United States?
A strong central government with an emphasis on industry and commerce.
A limited government with an emphasis on agriculture and rural life.
A government that prioritizes state sovereignty over federal power.
A decentralized government with minimal involvement in economic affairs.
Question 2b
Multiple choice
Which of the following best describes Thomas Jefferson's vision for the United States?
A strong central government with an emphasis on industry and commerce.
A limited government with an emphasis on agriculture and rural life.
A government that prioritizes federal power over state sovereignty.
A centralized government with extensive economic controls.
Question 2c
Essay
Compare and contrast the political philosophies of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. How did their differing views lead to the development of political parties in the United States?
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