TCI 11.Intro Political Developments in the Early Republic

TCI 11.Intro Political Developments in the Early Republic

George Washington meets with his close advisers, Henry Knox, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton.

How did the Federalist and Republican visions for the United States differ?

After the American Revolution, leaders worked to guide the government formed under the Constitution.  Look at the illustration of the four important leaders in the government.  On the far right stands George Washington, who had been lured out of retirement to serve as the nation's first president.  Seldom has a leader seemed more  reluctant  to take power.  “My movements to the chair of government,” he wrote on leaving home, “will be accompanied by feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution. ”

Henry Knox sits opposite Washington. During the American Revolution, Henry Knox, a bookseller in Boston, became a general and Washington's close friend and adviser. When Washington became president in 1789, he made Knox his secretary of war.

Two more important leaders in the early government were  Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson. Hamilton, who stands beside the president, served as Washington's secretary of the treasury. Jefferson, who stands behind Knox, served as secretary of state.  He managed relations between the United States and other countries.

Washington chose Hamilton and Jefferson for these positions because of all they had in common. Both were patriots who had served their country during the war. Both also had brilliant minds.

However, for all they had in common, the two men were opposites in many ways. Hamilton dressed with great care, while Jefferson was sloppy with clothes. Hamilton was a doer who moved from task to task, but Jefferson was a thinker who took time to explore ideas.

As you will discover, Hamilton and Jefferson soon became political rivals.  Their conflicting visions about the role of government eventually gave rise to the nation's first political parties and continue to influence America today.

Hail, Columbia

1. Listen the the following song and read the lyrics as you listen.

• The song you are about to hear is called "Hail, Columbia."

• It was first performed at George Washington's inauguration in 1789.

2. Then, after you listen to the song, you will answer the corresponding questions on the next slide:

  *What are three adjectives that describe the song’s mood?

* How do you think Washington’s swearing in as president united the country?

Open Ended

1. What are three adjectives that describe the song’s mood?

Open Ended

2. How do you think Washington’s swearing in as president united the country?

Fair and Free Elections

1. Listen to the following song and read the lyrics as you listen.

• The next song is a campaign song from the 1800 presidential election. This song was sung by members of the Republican party, one of the nation’s first political parties.

2. Then, after you listen to the song, you will answer the corresponding questions on the following slides:

  * What are three adjectives that describe the song’s mood?

* According to the lyrics, what were some of the issues of the 1800 presidential election?

*In what ways do you think the nation changed between Washington’s inauguration in 1789 and the election of 1800? 

Open Ended

1. What are three adjectives that describe the song’s mood?

Open Ended

2. According to the lyrics, what were some of the issues of the 1800 presidential election?

Open Ended

3. In what ways do you think the nation changed between Washington’s inauguration in 1789 and the election of 1800?