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A Convention of "Demigods"
Virginia called for a convention at Annapolis, Maryland to deal with the issue of interstate commerce. Alexander Hamilton saved the convention from collapsing (delegates from only 5 states showed up). -
Bills of Rights.
The Judiciary Act of 1789 created the the federal court system, including the Supreme Court. It also created the office of attorney general. -
Customs, Duties, and Excise Taxes
Hamilton supported the first tariff law, which imposed taxes on certain imports. -
The Emergence of Political Parties
Jefferson and Madison organized their opposition to the Hamilton program but confined it to Congress. -
Customs, Duties, and Excise Taxes
Congress passed an excise tax on a few domestic items, including whiskey. -
Bill of Rights
James Madison wrote the Bill of Rights and helped get them passed by Congress -
Hamilton Battles Jefferson for a Bank
Hamilton prevailed and the 1st Bank of the United States was created. Its charter lasted for 20 years and was located in Philadelphia. -
Mutinous Moonshiners in Pennsylvania
The Whiskey Rebellion in Pennsylvania was lead by distillers who strongly opposed the 1791 excise tax on whiskey. -
Unofficial Fighting with France
Infuriated with the XYZ Affair, America began preparations for war: the Navy Department was created; the three-ship navy was expanded; the United States Marine Corps was re-established. -
John Adams Becomes President
John Adams (Washington's Vice President) beat Thomas Jefferson to become to the 2nd President -
Hammering Out a Bundle of Compromises
The new Constitution also called for a President. Because of arguments over if the slaves would count towards the general population of the state, the "three-fifths compromise" was created. The new Constitution also called for the end of the slave trade by the end.