The American President Exam 1

Federalist 51

"But it is not possible to give each department the power of self defense" Department means branch here This federalist paper is all about the checks and balances of government Executive in constitution is Commander in Chief of Army, Navy, and state militia when called into national service. Argued to give civilian control to the army, navy, etc. Think about the implications here. What happens if the presidency is plural? War consequences, disorderly, public favoritism, backstabbing What happens if presidency is not truly separate from the legislative branch?

Compromise of 1850

A congeries of legislative measures designed to preserve a temporary peace on the slavery issue Henry Clay -- a group of bills that helped quiet early calls for Southern secession In a game of give and take north and south were not satisfied with what they got. The south gained by the strengthening of the fugitive slave law, the north gained a new free state, California. Texas lost territory but was compensated with 10 million dollars to pay for its debt. Slave trade was prohibited in Washington DC, but slavery was not. Slavery was not restricted in the territories of Utah and New Mexico

Election of 1828

Andrew Jackson beat incumbent John Quincy Adams Jackson's Democratic Party versus Adam's National Republicans Precursor to our traditional two party system today Jackson became the first president to gain office by a direct appeal to the mass of voters rather than through the support of a recognized political organization Jackson's wife died at his inauguration, and he blamed his political enemies for it

James Monroe

Believed in limited government War of 1812 -- increased American nationalism Era of Good Feelings Disagreement, however, on the role of federal government in American life Monroe believed in limited government Monroe Doctrine A principle of US policy, originated by President James Monroe in 1823, that any intervention by external powers in the politics of the Americas is a potentially hostile act against the US Did not want colonies to be used as proxies for war Will not accept future colonization by any power Missouri Compromise Preserve balance in the Electoral College Slave states v free states

Hamilton Plan -- British Plan

Bicameral legislature A lot of inspiration was given from the British system of government Lower house, the Assembly, was elected by the people for 3 year terms Upper house, the Senate, elected by electors chosen by the people, and with a life term of service Executive called the Governor, elected by electors and with a life term of service Why Hamilton was called a monarchist Governor had an absolute veto over bills A judiciary, with life terms of service State governors appointed by national legislature Shove away from state to national government National veto power over any state legislation This plan was promptly dismissed Rips a lot of power out of the states and puts it into the hands of the Governor

Pinckney's Plan

Bicameral legislature Lower house (House of Delegates) was elected by the people, with proportional representation Upper house (Senate) elected by the HofD, four per state, with four year terms An executive called the President, elected by the legislature A Council of Revision consisting of the President and some or all of his Cabinet, with a veto over bills National veto power over any state legislation Didn't make smaller states happy Judiciary established

John Tyler & succession

Bounced in and out of political office Felt the Missouri Compromise was an abuse of federal power and resigned from Congress in protest Supported Jackson b/c of similar positions on tariffs Abandoned Jackson when Jackson threatened to use force in SC over nullification crisis Constitutional Crisis: William Henry Harrison dies (only about a month into presidency) Constitution says "the same" shall devolve on the vice president, but unclear... "the same" may refer to the "powers and duties in office" (Tyler would stay VP) or to the office itself (Tyler would become P) Whig party abandons him over vetoing a compromise banking bill and all his cabinet secretaries

Aaron Burr and his role in Election of 1800

Burr gets greedy and tries to run for President Federalists Republicans Aaron Burr Burr gets greedy and tries for the presidency himself Federalists still control HofR Hamilton's influence Hamilton HATES Burr Revolution of 1800 occurs Republicans get control of Congress and Presidency Burr directly helped to change the Constitution—by impelling the passage of the 12th amendment after the constitutional crisis created by the 1800 election The original Constitution allowed for presidential electors to cast two votes. The candidate with the most votes became President and the second-place finisher was named the Vice President. That wasn't a big issue when George Washington was elected by unanimous consent. However, when bitter rivals John Adams and Thomas Jefferson finished first and second in the 1796 election, Adams was left with his biggest opponent as his Vice President. The situation went from awkward to much worse in 1800, when Adams and Jefferson faced off in a rematch. Jefferson's campaign included New York deal-making politician Aaron Burr as his intended Vice Presidential running mate, with the idea that the Jefferson-Burr electors would cast one less vote for Burr, ensuring the Jefferson was the President and Burr the Vice President However, no one coordinated the voting and the two running mates tied for first place in the election. After the electoral votes were counted, Jefferson and Burr each had 73 votes, and tied as the winner. Worse yet, Article II sent the tie election to the House, which was controlled by Adams's Federalist Party. The House members could only vote for Jefferson or Burr, and not Adams, and then Burr made the controversial move to try to take the election from his own running mate, Jefferson. The contingent runoff election between Jefferson and Burr was a true constitutional crisis. Jefferson ultimately won the House election on the 36th ballot after a week of voting. Alexander Hamilton, Jefferson's long-time enemy, supported Jefferson instead of his old rival from New York, Burr. Vowing to clean up what was clearly a flawed presidential election system, Congress made the 12th Amendment its first order of business in October 1803. After two months of debate, the House approved the 12th Amendment by a two-thirds margin, followed by the Senate.

Events in Jefferson Presidency and his view on running government

Debt Jefferson: little debt as possible Jefferson Election First election the press played a major role in electing president Entered government promising to dismantle the government he was elected to head First president to take office in Washington DC Required cabinet to submit recommendations in writing Jefferson was a bad public speaker Writing style helped highlight strengths Gave only 2 public speeches in 8 years Keeps campaign promises Pardons all political prisoners arrested/convicted under sedition laws Has Congress also pay back fines Army cut to less than 3000 men Navy sells off all but 13 ships to private buyers Excises (like whiskey tax) are all abolished Drive to pay off debt is launched $112 million Rate of $7 million a year Federal revenues were only $9 million Government had to operate on $2 million a year Bureaucracy in DC went from 130 in 1801 to 65 Marbury v Madison Judicial review Jefferson thought court would issue writ Louisiana Purchase

Jackson and rise of party convention

Demise of King Caucus or the Congressional Nominating caucus — informal meetings in which American congressmen would agree on whom to nominate for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency Filled by national party conventions

Peggy Eaton Scandal/Petticoat Affair

Dominated administration for its first 2 years Why is this a big deal? All of the attacks are a way to try and attack him -- what Jackson thought Sought out and interrogated the accusers Threatens to force cabinet resignation if they didn't accept Peggy's company When Jackson appointed John Eaton his Secretary of War, this sudden elevation of Mrs. Eaton into the Cabinet social circle was resented by the wives of Jackson's other appointees, who believed that Peggy had engaged in an extramarital affair with Eaton while her husband was at sea serving his country By 1831, the Eaton Affair had proved immensely divisive and politically damaging to Jackson. In response, Eaton and Van Buren resigned in order to give Jackson the opportunity to overhaul his cabinet with new members and protect his presidency from further scandal.

Marbury v. Madison

Established Judicial Review Thomas Jefferson beats Adams which results in Adam and Congress making a whole bunch of new courts/judges John Marshall basically gives the judicial branch all of its power in this case Thomas Jefferson assumed office and refused to finalize Adams' appointment of Marbury Marbury has a right to his commission and is entitled to a remedy; act is unconstitutional because seeks to expand original jurisdiction

Different ideas considered for presidency (plural, executive council, etc)

Executive Council: Idea bounced around Good? Bad? Good: Dilutes power of president Bad? Backstabbing People negotiating power Passing the buck Inconsistent presidential decisions Eventually gets dropped What does it eventually become? Congress develops the cabinet, and Congress creates the departments What happens if presidency is plural? Army and Navy would be managed by two different executives → whole lot of problems Options: Direct election Problems: Big state presidents ⅗ clause goes out of play Legislative selection Electoral college

Election of 1800

First important, peaceful transfer of power in US history Marked the beginning of a critical realignment in american politics DR became the nation's leading political party and swept the congressional and presidential elections ⅗ rule allowed the south more influence Jefferson attacks monarchist tendencies to get his party going Federalists were upset with Adams because he didn't declare war against France and they were upset the Alien and Sedition Act didn't shut up the Anti-Federalists DRs ran on a rural farmer platform Reasons for Federalist Fall: Excise Tax Outlays for 75,000 man army 12.8 million budget, annual Alien and Sedition Acts

Martin Van Buren

First president born not in British subject To hold democrats together, Van Buren took a pro-southern position of slavery March 1840 -- orders a 10 hour work day for laborers on federal work projects Continues Jackson's indian removal policies In depression following the Panic of 1837, he vut public expenditures by 20% Opposed the annexation of Texas -- afraid it would ignite the slavery union Cost him the presidency in 1844; southern delegation refused to support him

Jackson and the Bank

Jackson demanded Congress alter operations of Second Bank of US The Bank was the campaign issue of 1832 Eaterne financial interests alienated Jackson's core of farmer re-elected him overwhelmingly "The bank, Mr. Van Buren, is trying to kill me... but I will kill it" Vetoed a bill to recharter the national bank Jackson argued that it was unconstitutional and unwise Withdrew the national government's deposits in the Second Bank of the US and placed them in state banks, trying to kill off the bank Charter expired in 1836

Jackson and vetoes

Jackson vetoed more legislation than all his predecessors combined Vetoed the bank bill in 1832 Significantly strengthened the presidency Jackson said that a president should reject any bill he felt would injure the nation Implications: Congress now had to consider the president's opinions about bills before enacting them or else risk a veto Rearticulated Jefferson's belief that the president and Congress each possess coordinate power with the courts to determine questions of constitutionality The president, not Congress, was the people's true representative in Washington

John C. Calhoun

Jackson was paranoid that Calhoun was working to undermine the administration so he can be president Jackson and Calhoun had opposing views of government Calhoun -- states had the right to nullify federal laws Jackson -- believed in states' rights but thought this would destabilize union Issue came to a head at a dinner in 1830 Jackson: "our union, it must be preserved" Calhoun: "the union, next to our liberty, the most dear"

Policy of Rotation/Spoils/patronage system

Jackson's "policy of rotation" Only wants loyalists Under our current civil service system, employees are supposed to be apolitical Hatch Act (1939) Prohibits federal civil service employees from actively participating in political stuff Off duty, they can't campaign for stuff Basically just don't engage in politics In Jackson's day... Local party organizations controlled voters Postal system major source of patronage

Nullification crisis

Jackson's response is Proclamation of Dec 10, 1832 Rejects nullification and secession as rights of the state "Union is undissolvable"; treason

Whigs

Originally formed in opposition to Jackson and resisted the expansion of executive power because they prefered congress stay the primary instrument of republican government. Also stood for national unity Ultimate demise in 1850's with the emergence of the Republican party.

Hatch Act

1939 Prohibits federal civil service employees from actively participating in political stuff Off duty, they can't campaign for stuff Basically just don't engage in politics President Andrew Jackson cleared the federal bureaucracy of its incumbent employees and replaced them with his own supporters In Jackson's day... Local party organizations controlled voters Postal system major source of patronage

Qualifications for President

35 years old 14 years of residence in the United States American born US citizen

John Quincy Adams

6th president In favor of funding national research and he appointed Henry Clay as Secretary of State National Republicans were formed in support of him Won the "Corrupt Bargain" election of 1824, but lost to Jackson in 1828 Treaty of Ghent

Era of Good Feelings

Period from 1817-1823 in which the disappearance of the federalists enabled the Republicans to govern in a spirit of seemingly non-partisan harmony Post War of 1812-- very little political divisiveness Low point of partisanship James Monroe's presidency Ran virtually unopposed for re-election Increased American nationalism

Battle of New Orleans

A battle during War of 1812 where British army attempted to take New Orleans. Due to foolish frontal attack, Jackson defeated them which gave him an enormous popularity boost Soldiers called Andrew Jackson old hickory for his strength and devotion to their well being This sealed his heroism Andrew Jackson was not supposed to win this battle, but pulled people together and did win 1817- President Monroe ordered Jackson to Georgia to stop the raids by Seminoles

Whiskey Rebellion

1794 - excise tax on whiskey Contentious - especially in western PA West PA avoided paying taxes since 1791 Mass defiance Aug 7 Washington orders disperse and retire peacefully Army assembled and marched into West PA with Washington in charge of troops Farmers were taxed more and they were not happy about it. They avoided paying their taxes. What happens is Washington assembles the army and goes out to western Pennsylvania to put this down. However when they find out Washington is coming they scatter. Showed National government will protect the states

Embargo Act

1807 Under Jefferson Embargo is a failure Farmers sad now If England takes our ships, we will stop trading with them They don't need our shipping/trade They won't negotiate with us England = largest navy in the world This failure breathes life into Federalists 50,000 seamen, 100,000 laborers, and city factory workers need jobs

Missouri Compromise

1820 The compromise perpetuated the constitutions original compromise with slavery, it addmitted missouri to the union as a slave state allowed maine to enter as a free state, and temporarily resolved the issue of slavery in louisiania terretority by banning it from all the other western territories north of missouri's southern border States north of the 26/30 line would enter as free states and states south of the line would be slave states

War of 1812:

Caused by British restrictions on U.S. trade and America's desire to expand its territory, the United States took on the greatest naval power in the world, Great Britain. Increased American nationalism and disagreement on role of federal gov in American life Led into the Era of Good Feelings White House was burned down during this time

Election of 1824 and 1828

1824 election: Became a contest of individuals rather than of issues or parties One of the most bitter campaigns in american history Storm of controversy, prompting a revolt against the congressional caucus nominating process that had been used for a quarter of a century John Quincy Adams wins Inherited an impossible governing situation When his term was over, the DR era also came to an end amid conflicts so acrimonious they endured for a generation Defeated Andrew Jackson by garnering more electoral votes through the House of Representatives, even though Jackson received more popular and electoral votes This presidential election was also the only one in which the candidate receiving the most electoral votes did not become president (because a majority, not just a plurality, is required to win) The 'corrupt bargain' was a deal in which Henry Clay swung votes to the first candidate that agreed to make him Secretary of State. Andrew Jackson, who was furious with the backdoor politics, launched a smear campaign that encompassed the entirety of John Quincy Adams's presidency.

12th Amendment

Changes election of president Rapidly ratified Vote separately for President and Vice President Majority of electoral votes to win each Reduces the number of candidates HofR would vote for president Election of VP goes to Senate Vote together on a ticket but technically separate

Virginia Plan

Aka the "big state" plan 3 branch government Bicameral legislature Both house's membership determined proportionally Lower house elected by the people; upper house elected by lower house Legislature = very powerful Executive was planned, but would exist to ensure the will of the legislature was carried out, and was so chosen by the legislature Formation of a judiciary, with life terms of service appointed by legislature (could impeach any national officers) People were upset by this plan The executive and some of the national judiciary would have the power to veto legislation, subject to override National veto power over any state legislation Small states became the large state's bitchessss

Connecticut Compromise

Aka the Great Compromise The subject of suffrage in the houses of the legislature proposed in the prevailing Virginia Plan came to a debate on June 9, 1787 Roger Sherman of Connecticut An agreement made between large and small states which partly defined the representation each state would have under the United States Constitution, as well as in legislature The Great Compromise led to the creation of a two-chambered Congress. Also created was the House of Representatives which is determined by a state's population The Senate The agreement retained the bicameral legislature, but the upper house had to change to accommodate two senators to represent each state The deal reshaped the American government structure striking a balance between the highly populated states and their demands while at the same time taking into consideration the less-populous state and their interests

Alien and Sedition Acts

Alien Acts: Citizenship residency requirements increased from 5 years to 14 years Non-Citizen males could be arrested and deported for any reason during wartime Non-Citizens could be arrested and deported if they were suspected of conspiracy against the United States during peacetime Sedition Act: Outlawed "False, Scandalous, and Malicious writing" against the government Results and reaction People really hated this, pretty clearly opposed the 1st amendment Everyone prosecuted under the sedition act was writing for a Republican newspaper - the minority party during the Adams administration Overwhelming hate for these laws resulted in Jefferson's massive win in the election of 1800 All of the Alien and Sedition laws were repealed by 1802 except for the "Alien Enemies Act," which allowed for arrest and deportation of noncitizens during wartime. This was expanded later to include women. Passed by Adams

Federalist party and Antifederalists and their general party issues/conflicts

Anti-Federalists: opposed strong central government because it threatened state power; did not want a strong executive similar to monarchy; wanted bill of rights to protect citizens; mostly middle class; believed in democracy and giving all people a voice Important ones - Patrick Henry, George Clinton (probably Cato), Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe Federalists: favored Constitution; strong gov needed to protect nation; checks and balances would protect against abuses; protection of property rights; (didn't consider themselves a party); mostly rich property owners & believed the educated should make decisions Important ones - Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay

Impeachment power

As authorized by article I and II of the constitution, an action by the house of representatives and the senate to remove the president, vice president, or civil officer of the united states from office for committing "treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors"

Make Treaties

Congress had power of this in AOC, First suggestion: the treaty power be shared between legislative and executive branch / Hamilton Executive should have the advice of the senate to make all treaties Committee of detail provided instead that the senate shall have the power to make treaties Mason argued that the senate could thereby sell our country by means of treaties Southern delegates worried they would lose their states' rights to free navigation of the Mississippi River, New Englanders wanted rights to fish in Newfoundland. Delegates referred to the committee on postponed matters which propose that the president had to have advised and received ⅔ consent of the senate.

James K Polk & use of executive branch

Considered one of the handsomest presidents Supporter of Jackson When Van Buren was president, Jackson (who was still running party behind the scenes) was upset with his waffling over Texas and gave his support to Polk Called Young Hickory Barely won... 5000 less votes in NY would have given the presidency to Clay Jackson dies in 1845 and Democrats split into factions Declares war on Mexico over Texas Left office unpopular Use of executive branch: Exercised close and daily supervision of the executive departments Polk achieved four goals (deciding who owned Oregon, reducing tariffs, establishing an independent national treasury, and acquiring California) California coming to the US was a cause of the Mexican-American War Polk had strained relationships with high people in the army

Articles of Confederation

Constitution, take 1 Went into effect 1781 The Declaration of Independence did not allow for the states to fight a common war → created the need for the AoC Created a central government; could make war or peace First organized agreement between the states (think: "league of friendship") Each state, regardless of wealth or population, was represented equally in Congress: one state = one vote This created a national government that was essentially purely legislative → eventually small executive departments were made Problems: Started playing Fight Club Power, taxes, commerce, chief executive, money No compulsory taxation → states pay what they can afford (which wasn't a lot, and then the national government had no money) Couldn't force states to 'play nice' with each other → commercial warfare) Wealthy landowners funded the Revolutionary War → soldiers were given SCIPS (IOUs) → landowners wanted money back → states short on cash → foreclosing on farms to get money (majority soldiers are farmers)

Pardon Power

Gives the ability for the president to pardon any person convicted of a federal crime, BUT not a state crime Usually made towards the end of a President's term Only unchecked power in the executive

Louisiana Purchase (why good/why problematic)

Good: removes one of the europeans off our border, doubles our territory Bad: can we constitutionally acquire that much land not included in original nation?, how do we control this area?

Jay's Treaty

Great Britain pledged to evacuate Northwestern military posts that had sustained British power on American Soil. Also won American vessels limited rights to trade with the British West Indies. Democrat-Republicans hated it and used it as political ammunition, since they hated the British. (This was during Washington's presidency)

Washington and advice and consent

He consulted cabinet advisors frequently but insisted government people with one voice Went to the Senate for advice regarding a treaty with a group of Native Americans but instead of talking to him about it they just started taking sections of it and debating it which made Washington angry and he said "I will be damned if I ever do that again"

Andrew Jackson

He is popular for who he was but not what he stood for Anti-Federalist He opposed the Bank of America, objected to the right of the individual states to nullify disagreeable federal laws and increased presidential powers He was from North Carolina, and was a lawyer in Nashville Bigger than life kind of guy His wife was Rachel Donielson Robards that pushed him to become President She was married before and didn't properly divorce = big scandal Her family was very powerful from Tennessee which is why she pushed for his political success In the Election of 1828 his opponents bashed his wife which he later blamed as the reason of her heart failure/death

Washington and symbols

He understood the importance of symbols which is why he had so many life masks Portraits Birthday Celebrations He knew we had to be "reborn" as Americans & stop identifying with the British way of doing things such as British holidays etc... symbols would help do that Star Spangled Banner was old British drinking song

Barbary War

In 1801, during Jefferson's presidency, a successful naval war was launched on Barbary pirates that preyed on American vessels in the Mediterranean Shows that Jefferson was willing to tolerate government actions that seemed to contradict his stated principles Also shows US can conduct war away from home. First true test as we fought as a country and not just as separate states

Panic of 1837

In part caused by Jackson's assault on the bank Martin Van Buren inherited this Caused by speculation A boom in western land and in manufacturing, transportation, banking, and other enterprises, which began in 1825, caused credit to become overextended in the national economy By removing federal deposits from the financially prudent Second Bank of the US and placing them in politically favored state banks, the Jackson administration contributed to the rapid expansion of credit Specie Circular aggravated the situation State banking system collapsed Van Buren rejected any proposal to revive the national bank; also rejected the idea that the Treasury should provide a paper currency to facilitate domestic commerce Van Buren's response to the Panic = modest Proposed to establish an independent sub treasury -- keep in federal vaults instead of depositing them in state banks

Macon's Bill no 2

Ineffective bill during the Napoleonic Wars that essentially said that whichever of Britain or France acknowledged America's neutral shipping rights, the US would suspend trading with the other Used by Napoleon to turn the British onto the Americans Under the Madison presidency -- proved his trouble with foreign policy May 1810 Miscalculated the value of American commerce England and France didn't take us seriously

Checks on Executive office

Legislature- May pass laws by overriding a presidential veto Must approve presidential appointments and foreign treaties May investigate the actions of the Executive branch Have impeachment powers Judiciary- Supreme Court justices can't be fired by the President May rule that a presidential action or law is unconstitutional Salary - No pay raises for sitting presidents Washington made: $25,000 (about $312,000 in 2008 adjusted for inflation) Obama made $400,000 Presidents have made this amount since 2001 No pay raises for sitting presidents Before 2001, the last pay raise was in 1969 when it went from $100,000 to $200,000 (200k in 1969 is the same as $1,161,905 in 2008)

Reynolds Affair

Major players: Alexander Hamilton, Maria Reynolds, James Reynolds Affair occurs in 1792 Story breaks in summer 1797 in unsigned pamphlets Hamilton writes his own pamphlet called "Observations on Certain Documents... in which... the Charge of Speculation against Alexander Hamilton is Fully Refuted" Treasury accounts for own personal gain charge on Hamilton upsets him the most and denies it It doesn't tho

Shay's Rebellion

Massachusetts Pennsylvania didn't want to involve itself in their problems Scared 'movers and shakers' = people in power Afraid of full on rebellion → AOC fell apart A series of violent attacks on courthouses and other government properties in Massachusetts that began in 1786 and led to a full-blown military confrontation in 1787 The rebels were mostly ex-Revolutionary War soldiers-turned farmers who opposed state economic policies causing poverty and property foreclosures The specter of Shays' Rebellion informed the debate over the framing of a new U.S. Constitution, providing fuel to Alexander Hamilton and other Federalists who advocated for a strong federal government and diminished states' rights. Nationalists used the rebellion to heighten paranoia, and George Washington was convinced enough by their arguments to come out of retirement and take part in the Constitutional Convention, where he was elected the first president of the United States Mob of farmers in western Massachusetts, saddled with taxes and debts and unable to persuade the state legislature to ease credit, closed down courts and stopped sheriffs' auctions to prevent foreclosure orders from being issued and executed against their lands. Dubbed Shay's Rebellion after one of its leaders, Revolutionary War veteran Daniel Shay.

Convene and Adjourn Congress

May be able to convene on extraordinary occasions In case of disagreement on time of adjournment between the two houses, he may adjourn

Ordinance of Nullification

Ordinance of Nullification Don't have the right bc of Supremacy Clause Wanted to nullify unjust laws Try to preempt future laws outlawing slavery

James Buchanan

Only bachelor President Senator Rufus King (AL) and Buchanan were inseparable NO proof they were gay BUT... Events: Tried to expand into Cuba Dred Scott Associated himself with an as-yet-unannounced Supreme Court decision, arguing that the proper resolution of the slavery question in the territories belonged to the federal judiciary Said he would cheerfully submit to the decision of the Supreme Court whatever it may be Confederacy delegates start to meet to discuss succession John Brown Democrats deeply divided over slavery... allows for election of Lincoln

Veto

Only specific grant of power to the executive proposed in Virginia plan. Weak governors and powerful legislatures was proof that the veto was indispensable against legislative encroachments

Democrat-Republicans/Antifederalists/Jefferson Republicans

Political party formed in opposition to the Federalists Felt their ideology was too similar to that of a monarchy Thomas Jefferson, James Madison AKA Democrats, Republicans, Jeffersonians Political party led by Jefferson Ex: Thomas Jefferson and James Madison Supported by commoners, middle class Strict interpretation-only could do what constitution states Believed in stronger state gov and smaller national gov Pro-French (ally during the revolution) Distrusted the British Believed farming should be the backbone of the economy Disliked the BUS (felt that it favored the rich)

Zachary Taylor

Presidency was his first and last campaign Career soldier Nation's most famous Mexican War hero Issues when elected: Succession over slavery in western territories very real Scandal: He wanted slave trade stopped, but he owned slaves and paid a lot for them Knew it wouldn't look good for president of US to own slaves He hid them in the White House attic (no kidding!) Remembered for his consistent opposition to the Compromise of 1850 Stood firm against southern threats of disunion

John Marshall

Presiding Supreme Court Chief Justice during Worcester v. Georgia and Marbury v. Madison Worked to give the judicial branch its own powers -- judicial review from Marbury Adams appointed Marshall to replace him as secretary of state in 1800 Ruled in McCullough v Maryland in 1819 that Congress had the constitutional power to charter a bank Whig opponents argued that under this, Jackson had no right to say that the national bank was unconstitutional Jackson claimed that in matters of constitutional interpretation, the president was no more bound by judicial rulings than by acts of congress

New Jersey Plan -- Small State Plan

Rebuttal to Virginia Plan The Virginia Plan called for two houses based on representation and that would have nullified the power of the smaller states The current Congress was maintained, but granted new powers Congress could set taxes and force their collection An executive, elected by Congress, was created -- the Plan allowed for a multi-person executive The executive served a single term and were subject to recall based on the request of state governors Puts a lot of power into the states A judiciary appointed by the executives, with life terms of service Laws set by the Congress took precedence over state law Protected the small states from the large ones by ensuring one state, one vote The Plan called for each state to have one vote in Congress instead of the number of votes based on population This was to protect the equality of the states regardless of population size

Revolution of 1800

Refers to the Election of 1800 because it was the first peaceful transfer of power in the nation's history Republicans get control of Congress and the Presidency

Constitutional Powers of the President

Sign/Veto bills Make appointments Commander-in-chief Require the Opinion of leaders of executive departments (Cabinet, basically) Pardons Receive ambassadors

Dred Scott

Slave was brought to free territory who sued for his freedom, proclaimed not a citizen and therefore enabled to sue for freedom in court Opened the entire west to slavery, regardless of what the people in the territories might decide Under James Buchanan Overturned the missouri compromise

Constitutional Religious Tests

Some states did not have established religions, some did and it was in their state constitutions Religion providing social support (churches) Have to be Christian (mainly Protestant) by state law to be involved in government; also had to have a certain amount of wealth; also had to be a male Last religion tests were eliminated in 1961 and 1978 Article VI of the Constitution stipulated that "no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States." This provision was out of step with a majority of states, nine of which had a religious test for officeholders in their constitutions. The prohibition of religious oaths in the Constitution caused some controversy during the ratification debates When Charles Pinckney proposed the ban on religious tests in the Constitutional Convention the only objection came from Roger Sherman, who thought it unnecessary because "the prevailing liberality" in regards to religion was "sufficient security ag[ain]st such tests." James Madison, among others, defended the ban on religious tests, arguing that the oath to support the Constitution required in Article VI served essentially the same function as a religious test—presumably the oath was being taken before God.

Constitutional Convention

Some states were split on signing it... ex New York and Virginia Annapolis Convention Led to the Constitutional Convention Alexander Hamilton NY governor was afraid of what Hamilton was going to do, and Hamilton went against his wishes and signed on to the Constitution Understood money; states were drowning in debt Afraid US would die under the weight of debts Wanted the US government to absorb debt from the states, which eventually we did The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia met between May and September of 1787 to address the problems of the weak central government that existed under the Articles of Confederation The United States Constitution that emerged from the convention established a federal government with more specific powers, including those related to conducting relations with foreign governments Under the reformed federal system, many of the responsibilities for foreign affairs fell under the authority of the executive branch, although important powers, such as treaty ratification, remained the responsibility of the legislative branch

Jefferson's view of government and presidency

Stemming from his deep optimism in human reason, Jefferson believed that the WILL OF THE PEOPLE, expressed through elections, provided the most appropriate guidance for directing the republic's course. Jefferson also felt that the central government should be "rigorously frugal and simple." As president he reduced the size and scope of the federal government by ending internal taxes, reducing the size of the army and navy, and paying off the government's debt. Limiting the federal government flowed from his strict interpretation of the Constitution. Jefferson's most fundamental political belief was an "absolute acquiescence in the decisions of the MAJORITY." Didn't believe that the federal government had the power to construct roads Took a strict constructionist view of the constitution (not able to go out of bounds)

Albany Plan of Union

The Albany Plan of Union was a plan to place the British North American colonies under a more centralized government On July 10, 1754, representatives from seven of the British North American colonies adopted the plan Although never carried out, the Albany Plan was the first important proposal to conceive of the colonies as a collective whole united under one government "Join or die" Despite the failure of the Albany Plan, it served as a model for future attempts at union: it attempted to establish the division between the executive and legislative branches of government, while establishing a common governmental authority to deal with external relations Failed -- none of the states wanted to give up any of their own economy

Electoral College

The Electoral College is a process, not a place The founding fathers established it in the Constitution as a compromise between the election of the President by a vote in Congress and election of the President by a popular vote of qualified citizens The original purpose of the Electoral College was to reconcile differing state and federal interests, provide a degree of popular participation in the election, give the less populous states some additional leverage in the process by providing "senatorial" electors, preserve the presidency as independent of Congress and generally insulate the election process from political manipulation Created and proposed by James Wilson believing appointing a president out of a legislature could be dangerous

Fugitive Slave Act:

The Fugitive Slave Acts were a pair of federal laws that allowed for the capture and return of runaway slaves within the territory of the United States. Enacted by Congress in 1793, the first Fugitive Slave Act authorized local governments to seize and return escaped slaves to their owners and imposed penalties on anyone who aided in their flight. Widespread resistance to the 1793 law led to the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which added more provisions regarding runaways and levied even harsher punishments for interfering in their capture. The Fugitive Slave Acts were among the most controversial laws of the early 19th century. Part of Henry Clay's famed Compromise of 1850—a group of bills that helped quiet early calls for Southern secession This new law forcibly compelled citizens to assist in the capture of runaway slaves. It also denied slaves the right to a jury trial and increased the penalty for interfering with the rendition process to $1,000 and six months in jail.

Indian Removal Act of 1830:

The Indian Removal Act was signed into law by President Andrew Jackson on May 28, 1830, authorizing the president to grant unsettled lands west of the Mississippi in exchange for Indian lands within existing state borders. A few tribes went peacefully, but many resisted the relocation policy. During the fall and winter of 1838 and 1839, the Cherokees were forcibly moved west by the United States government. Approximately 4,000 Cherokees died on this forced march, which became known as the "Trail of Tears."

Vice President and his roles

The Position was considered as an afterthought and was originally the runner up to President President of the Senate- can vote on tie-breakers John Tyler set precedent of VP once the president dies or cant hold office

Worcester v Georgia

The Supreme Court struck down a Georgia statute banishing the Cherokee Indians from the state's western territories on the grounds that the law violated a federal treaty with the tribe Issue was brought to the court by two Christian missionaries who had ignored a provision in the Georgia law that prohibited whites from living in Cherokee territory without first obtaining a state license This case posed a challenge to Jackson's Indian policy, as authorized by the Removal Act of 1830, which forced Eastern tribes to move west of Arkansas and Missouri Marshall's opinion appeared to give constitutional sanction to the tribe's determination to remain in Georgia Jackson: "John Marshall has made his decision: now let him enforce it" Jackson encouraged Georgia in its intransigence This case occurred during the same time as South Carolina's passage of the ordinance of nullification Jackson was deafeningly silent publicly about the case Eventually ended in the Trail of Tears

Appointment Power

The authority vested in the president to fill a government office/position. Three methods of appointment power - w/ Senate confirmation (ordinary method), w/o Senate confirmation (when Senate is in recess), appointment of "inferior officers" by relevant department heads when Congress so determines by statute Simple majority needed by the Senate to confirm Positions filled by presidential appointment include those in the executive branch and the federal judiciary, commissioned officers in the armed forces, and members of the independent regulatory commissions Do you need approval to fire an appointee? no.

Kitchen Cabinet

The cabinet's status in the Jackson administration was diminished by Jackson's reliance on his "kitchen cabinet", a group of unofficial advisors with whom he conferred confidentially Depicted by Jackson's political enemies as slipping into the president's study by way of the kitchen stairs In contrast, the traditional cabinet was sometimes called the "parlor cabinet" Jackson's reliance on informal advisors signified the dominant sway he held over public affairs more than any undue dependence on shadowy sources of influence Members of the group shifted from month to month and from issue to issue The decline of the formal cabinet during the Jackson administration marked the unprecedented prominence of the presidency between 1829 and 1837, NOT the rise of a new advisory body

Kansas Nebraska Act

The most telling of Pierce's failures to allay sectional conflict Brainchild of Stephen A Douglas Tried to remove slavery from the national political agenda by resting its status in the territoriea on the principle of "popular sovereignty" As soon as the people of a territory received Congress's permission to choose a legislature, their elected representatives would decide whether to allow or forbid slavery The bill passed, and at the same time repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820 Within 6 months, the repeal of the Missouri Compromise had aggrevated, not quelled, the slavery controversy and divided the Democratic Party irrevocably Republican Party formed in 1856

XYZ Affair

The naval war with France escalated when Adams's diplomatic attempts to maintain Washington's policy of neutrality received an insulting and humiliating response from the French foreign ministry Talleyrand, the French foreign minister, dispatched three representatives (X, Y, and Z) to meet with Adams's emissaries Their mission was to discover how much the US was willing to pay in bribes to French officials and loans to the French government to secure a treaty Led to an undeclared war at sea More extreme Federalists wanted a large army to deter French invasion Jefferson = pro French(Republicans); Adams = pro British (federalist) Hurt american relations with the french

Advise and Consent Power

The power of the Senate to advise the President on appointments and treaties and to consent to them. Essentially this is just consent in practice: Washington was the only president to seek advice from the senate (Creek Nation Treaty), and gave up when the senate just tore down his treaty without justification or alternative. Now presidents just seek consent.

⅗ Clause

The three-fifths clause (Article I, Section 2, of the U.S. Constitution of 1787) in fact declared that for purposes of representation in Congress, enslaved black people in a state would be counted as three-fifths of the number of white inhabitants of that state The three-fifths clause was part of a series of compromises enacted by the Constitutional Convention of 1787 Proposed by Charles Pinckney Jefferson won the election of 1800 because his party dominated the south, whose electoral clout was inflated by the ⅗ compromise Gave southern states more seats in the House of Representatives → more electoral votes than was warranted by their share of the electorate Turned a two vote defeat for Jefferson into a three vote victory

Lewis and Clark expedition

This was technically an invasion however it was deemed a scientific expedition and literary endeavor They really went to find a water route

Precedents set by Washington

Two terms The designation 'Mr. President' He preferred to be called "his high mightiness" Established the Cabinet within Executive branch that was not outlined within the Constitution Established the tradition of a Presidential Farewell Address Supported innovative fiscal concepts such as Bank of America and a national debt Introduced policy of neutrality pertaining to foreign wars that was followed up until WW1 Established relations with Great Britain with Jay's Treaty

Specie Circular

Under President Jackson, but carried out by Martin Van Buren 1836 Required payment for government land to be in gold and silver Inflation explodes Physical money worth less Went into effect because of uncontrolled land speculation in the West Precipitated the Panic of 1837

Enumerated Powers of Executive Branch

Veto, Vesting Clause, Commander in Chief, Pardons and Reprieves, Make Treaties, Appointments and Commissions, Adjourn and Convene Congress, Advisory role to Congress, Receive Ambassadors, Take Care Clause

Commander in Chief

Virginia plan said nothing about who would direct the armed forces The committee of detail suggested a military role for the President in the enumeration of the powers Does not initiate war but directs fighting once war is under way Congress has the ability to "declare" war instead of "make" war -- wanted to give the executive some leeway in case Congress was not in session and could not respond quickly enough to an attack "Executive should be able to repel and not to commence war"

Take care clause

Virginia plan stated the executive was to have "general authority to execute the national laws" Madison sought to revise this to read "Power to carry into effect the national laws" Felt it was important to prohibit "improper powers" from being delegated to executive. Committee of details adopts "he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed"

Battle of Bladensburg:

War of 1812-- only time in US history a sitting president saw serious combat (August 1814) James Madison assumed command This battle was ultimately lost

Neutrality Proclamation of 1793

Washington issued this proclamation -- provoked a bitter exchange of views about the executive's proper role in foreign policy Declared that the duties and interests of the US required the government to "with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial to the belligerent powers" Prohibited Americans from "committing, aiding, or abetting hostilities against any of the said powers, or by carrying to them any of those articles which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations" Jefferson advised Washington AGAINST it Believed that it meant no war, a decision that rightfully belonged to Congress Hamilton wanted neutrality Boldly asserted the president's power of initiative in the conduct of foreign affairs "Vesting clauses" for the executive justified this, argued Hamilton A president can unilaterally enunciate a policy of neutrality was important but limited

First Election of Washington

Washington was elected unanimously Washington consulted cabinet (advisors) frequently but insisted government people with one voice Willingness to surrender power To Congress in 1783 Reluctance to serve a 2nd term Refusal to serve a 3rd term Initially, he had more people working for him at Mount Vernon than in the entire new federal government

Vesting Clause

Why is it important? The legislative branch ONLY gets the power WRITTEN in the constitution. The power for executive is invested in the PERSON not the document. Important for the changing times. Need an FBI? -> executive. Need NASA? -> executive. Federal Trade Commission -> executive. Vesting: where stuff is allocated

Monroe Doctrine

Written by John Q. Adams - Europeans couldn't intervene in the Western Hemisphere & in exchange the US wouldn't interfere with existing European colonies & wars. A principle of US policy, originated by President James Monroe in 1823, that any intervention by external powers in the politics of the Americas is a potentially hostile act against the US Did not want colonies to be used as proxies for war Will not accept future colonization by any power

State Constitutions Right After the Revolutionary War

were ways states expressed themselves had some glaring limitations, particularly by more recent standards no states had women participation in government 13 colonies wrote 17 constitutions (some re-wrote theirs) Their experience with tyranny and the British executive (king and royal governors) led the authors of most state constitutions to provide for establishing weak governors and strong legislatures State governors were elected by the legislature for a brief 1 or 2-year terms with NO chance of re-election. The governors were like chairman of executive boards; Their powers were weak, they were forced to share their powers with a council whose members were appointed by the legislature and elected by the people. Most state constitutions made vague grants of authority to their executives and, by specifically denying them the right to veto legislation and make appointments, rendered them incapable of defending modest influence from legislative encroachment Pennsylvania Constitution was an exception, it was strikingly progressive