The Federalists in Charge Washington Retires During second

The Federalists in Charge

Washington Retires • During second term, George Washington receives some criticism • Washington warns that political divisions can weaken the nation • Relations with governments of other countries— foreign policy • Washington urges U. S. not to form permanent alliances with nations

Growth of Political Parties Alexander Hamilton’s views: • opposes French Revolution • for strong central government • promotes trade, manufacturing, cities Thomas Jefferson’s and James Madison’s views: • for French Revolution • strong government could lead to tyranny • promote farming

Growth of Political Parties • Differences lead to the nation’s first political parties • Political party: group that promotes its ideas, influences government • Thomas Jefferson, James Madison start Democratic. Republican Party • Alexander Hamilton and friends start the Federalist Party

John Adams Takes Office • John Adams is presidential candidate for Federalists • Thomas Jefferson is candidate for Democratic. Republicans • Adams wins election; runner-up, Jefferson, is vicepresident (1797)

Problems with France • • • In 1797, Britain and France still at war French seize U. S. ships, prevent trade with British Federalists want war with France President Adams wants to restore calm President Adams sends diplomats to France, they are ignored • 3 French agents (known as X, Y, Z) ask for loan, bribe from diplomats • Americans are outraged by XYZ Affair • Congress cancels treaties, allows U. S. to seize French ships

The Alien and Sedition Acts • • Democratic-Republicans, Federalists criticize each other To stop criticism of Federalists, President Adams targets immigrants Many immigrants are Democratic-Republicans Federalist Congress passes the Alien and Sedition Acts (1798): • power to arrest disloyal aliens during wartime • outlaws saying, writing anything false, harmful against government

The Alien and Sedition Acts • Alien and Sedition Acts clamp down on freedom of speech • Democratic-Republicans use states’ rights to fight acts • State can refuse to pass a federal law if it sees law as unconstitutional • Kentucky, Virginia find Alien and Sedition Acts unconstitutional • Democratic-Republicans gain control of Congress • Repeal acts or let them expire between 1800 and 1802

Peace with France • U. S. and France make peace, sign Convention of 1800: • stops naval attacks between France and U. S. • allows U. S. , French ships to sail the ocean in peace