What were three precedents that George Washington set as president? Why were they important?
1. George Washington started the tradition of only serving two terms as president.
This set a tradition of presidents only serving for a limited time which ensured that no president risked becoming a dictator and serving for life.
2. Started a cabinet, a group of advisors that help the president make decisions.
The cabinet helps advise the president and run the country because no one person can run the country by themselves.
3. Helped form the federal court system.
This was important because it allows us to settle disputes about the law and prevent wrongdoing.
What were three problems that early presidents faced? How did they respond to these problems?
1. Lack of rules and structure for how to govern the country.
George Washington set precedents like term limits and having a cabinet to help govern the country.
2. Farmers in Pennsylvania rebelled against taxes on whiskey during the Whiskey Rebellion.
Washington responded by using force to maintain order: he sent federal troops to the area.
3. France seized American ships that sailed cargo to Britain.
John Adams tried to resolve the issue; he sent a team to Paris to negotiate.
Identify two important Federalists and why they were important.
1. John Adams
John Adams was important because he was the first vice president and the second president in the United States. This shows that he was important because it shows how he was an influential leader in the Federalist faction
2. Alexander Hamilton
Alexander Hamilton was important because he approved a national bank. This shows that he was important because having a national bank is how we, as citizens of the United States, developed our economy, allowing it to go from just farming to maufacturing and trade.
Identify two important Democratic-Republicans and why they were important.
1. Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was important because he wrote the declaration of independence. This shows that he was important because the declaration of independence was a key document that allowed the Americans to separate from Britain
2. James Madison
James Madison helped write the bill of rights. This shows that he was important because the bill of rights is an important section of the Constitution that grants us basic human rights.
Compare and contrast Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. Give at least two similarities and two differences.
Similarities:
1. Both supported the Constitution. (but had differnet interpretations)
2. Both were groups of like minded individuals who had the same political ideals and opposed the other group.
3. Both believed the government needed to have the powers to declare war and manage foreign affairs. (they argued on which countries to support however)
Differences:
1. Federalists believed in implied powers, Democratic-Republicnas didn't.
2. Federalists believed only the wealthy and educated should vote, Democratic Republicans believed everyone should be allowed to vote.
3. Federalists believed the government should have more power; Democratic-Republicans believed the states should have more power.