3.10 Shaping a New Republic

Debates over ratification

After the Constitutional Convention, Federalists (Hamilton, Madison, Jay) argued for a strong central government in *The Federalist Papers*, defending checks and balances and federalism. Anti-Federalists feared a powerful national government would threaten states' rights and individual liberties, demanding a Bill of Rights as the price of ratification, which Federalists agreed to add in 1791.

Washington's precedents

As the first president, George Washington set enduring precedents: a two-term limit, a cabinet of advisors, and neutrality in foreign affairs (Proclamation of Neutrality, 1793). His Farewell Address warned against permanent foreign alliances and the dangers of political factions, shaping early American political culture.

Rise of the first party system

Conflicts over Hamilton's financial plan (national bank, assumption of debt) and the French Revolution split leaders into Federalists (Hamilton) favoring strong central government and commerce, and Democratic-Republicans (Jefferson, Madison) favoring states' rights and agrarian interests. This ideological split produced the nation's first political parties, despite the Framers' hope to avoid factionalism.

Key terms

Federalists

Supporters of a strong central government and the Constitution's ratification, later a political party led by Hamilton.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared centralized power and demanded a Bill of Rights.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified 1791, protecting individual liberties.

Washington's Farewell Address

1796 speech warning against political parties and permanent foreign alliances.

Democratic-Republicans

Political party led by Jefferson and Madison, favoring states' rights and agrarian interests over Hamilton's financial plans.

Try an AP-style question

Hamilton's financial plan included…

1. ending all trade with Great Britain
2. a national bank and assuming state debts
3. abolishing every federal and state tax
4. giving free western land to farmers