George Washington: Challenges and Political Parties

• George Washington's presidency faced challenges due to divisions in the first Congress, specifically regarding the strength of the national government.
• A debate arose over the appropriate title for the president, with John Adams suggesting a European-style title to command respect.
• Despite some support for a formal title, Washington ultimately chose the simple designation of "Mr. President."

Executive Departments

• Congress established three departments: the Department of War (defense), the Department of State (foreign relations), and the Treasury Department (finances).
• Washington appointed Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and Henry Knox to lead these departments, forming his cabinet.

Washington's Farewell Address

• Washington advised a strong, unified government is crucial for independence, safety, peace, and success.
• He warned that political parties could lead to individuals seeking power at the expense of the common good.

Rise of Political Parties

• Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson held contrasting views, leading to the emergence of political parties.

Hamilton

• Hamilton rose to prominence through his abilities, ambition, and charm, serving as Washington's assistant during the American Revolution.
• He married Elizabeth Schuyler, further enhancing his standing.
• Hamilton represented New York in Congress and at the Constitutional Convention.
• Hamilton believed that people are inherently selfish and distrustful of government.
• He advocated for a strong national government led by educated, wealthy men, prioritizing national power over states' rights.
• Hamilton envisioned a strong U.S. economy driven by business, manufacturing, and trade, supported by the federal government.
• He established the first national bank to collect taxes, print money, and provide loans.
• Hamilton favored a loose construction of the Constitution, allowing Congress broader powers.

Jefferson

• Jefferson was a Virginia tobacco planter with exceptional writing skills.
• He believed informed citizens could make sound decisions and trusted the wisdom of farmers.
• Jefferson believed the best government governs the least
• Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans favored an agricultural economy and opposed policies promoting business and manufacturing.
• They insisted on a strict construction of the Constitution, limiting the federal government's powers to those explicitly stated.

Loose Construction vs. Strict Construction

• Loose construction interprets the Constitution flexibly, granting Congress implied powers.
• Strict construction interprets the Constitution literally, limiting Congress to its explicitly stated powers.

Elastic Clause

• The Elastic Clause grants Congress the power to create laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers, even if those laws are not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.

Election of 1800

• The election resulted in a tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr.
• Hamilton's support helped Jefferson win the presidency.

12th Amendment

• The Twelfth Amendment (1804) was added to prevent future ties in presidential elections.
• Electors now cast separate ballots for president and vice president.
• If no candidate wins a majority, the House of Representatives chooses the president, and the Senate chooses the vice president.

Modern Day Version

• Voters cast ballots for a presidential and vice presidential ticket.
• The Electoral College votes based on state results, typically using a winner-takes-all system.
• A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
• The popular vote does not determine the winner; the Electoral College does.
• If no candidate reaches 270 electoral votes, the House of Representatives selects the president, and the Senate selects the vice president.