-
Inauguration and Establishment of the Presidency
Washington's inauguration as the first President of the United States marked the beginning of the new nation's experiment with democratic governance. -
Period: to
George Washington
-
Ratification of the Bill of Rights
Under Washington's presidency, the Bill of Rights, comprising the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was ratified, guaranteeing fundamental rights and liberties to American citizens. -
Whiskey Rebellion
Washington led federal troops to suppress the Whiskey Rebellion, a protest against the whiskey tax, asserting the authority of the federal government and demonstrating its ability to enforce laws. -
Jay Treaty
Washington's administration negotiated this treaty with Great Britain, resolving outstanding issues from the Revolutionary War and averting potential conflict, though it was controversial domestically. -
Farewell Address
In his farewell address, Washington warned against the dangers of political factionalism, foreign entanglements, and sectionalism, advocating for national unity and political moderation. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
Adams signed these controversial laws, which aimed to suppress dissent and limit immigration, sparking debates over freedom of speech and the limits of executive power. -
Period: to
john adams
-
Peace Treaty with France
Adams successfully negotiated a peace treaty with France, ending the Quasi-War and averting further hostilities, though it was criticized by his political opponents. -
Midnight Judges
In the final days of his presidency, Adams appointed a significant number of federal judges, known as the "Midnight Judges," leading to political controversy and the landmark Supreme Court case Marbury v. Madison. -
Period: to
Thomas jefferson
-
Louisiana Purchase
Jefferson's administration acquired the vast Louisiana Territory from France, doubling the size of the United States and opening up new opportunities for westward expansion. -
Marbury v. Madison
The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice John Marshall, asserted its power of judicial review in this landmark case, establishing the principle that the Court could declare laws unconstitutional.