When we elected our first president under the new Constitution in 1789, there were still many details of government to work out. The Constitution, for instance, didn’t mention how many terms a president could serve, but George Washington set the precedent when he stepped down after his second term. Similarly, the Constitution didn’t contemplate the existence of political parties, but they soon emerged. In those early days of the republic, most Americans didn’t realize that democratic politics would require acceptance of organized political opposition. But in 1800 the Constitution passed a crucial test, when the bitter presidential race between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson resulted in a peaceful transfer of power.
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1791
Does the Constitution permit the new government to establish a National Bank?
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December 12, 1791
On this day Congress charters first Bank of the U.S.
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December 15, 1791
States ratify the first ten constitutional amendments, known as the Bill of Rights
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March 3, 1791
Congress puts the Constitution’s principles into practice
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October 13, 1792
On this day Cornerstone of White House laid
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May 17, 1793
Everything Washington does as President sets a precedent
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September 18, 1793
On this day Cornerstone of Capitol laid
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February 7, 1795
States ratify 11th Amendment, limiting power of federal courts
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September 19, 1796
Noble, yes; royal, never: our president will step down
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March 4, 1797
On this day Federalist John Adams inaugurated as president
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July 24, 1797
Arguing about government power, we have split into bitter factions
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July 6, 1798
On this day Congress passes Alien Act; president empowered to expel “dangerous” aliens at his discretion
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July 14, 1798
On this day Congress passes Sedition Act; freedom of speech and press severely limited
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December 24, 1798
Can a state say to Congress “that’s unconstitutional”?
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December 14, 1799
On this day George Washington dies at Mount Vernon at age 67
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January 31, 1801
On this day John Marshall becomes fourth Chief Justice of the U.S.
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February 17, 1801
On this day Jefferson-Burr tie in the Electoral College; House of Representatives elects Thomas Jefferson on 26th ballot
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March 4, 1801
Our Constitution passes a test as power passes to the opposition
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December 8, 1801
Two parties, two views of the Consitution...and our future
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February 24, 1803
Marbury v. Madison confirms the Supreme Court’s power
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May 2, 1803
On this day The U.S. purchases Louisiana from France for $15 million
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July 4, 1803
On this day The U.S. Military Academy opens at West Point
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December 9, 1803
A new amendment recognizes that political parties are here to stay
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February 25, 1804
On this day New Jersey becomes last northern state to pass emancipation act
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June 15, 1804
Twelfth Amendment ratified, requiring separate election of the president and vice president
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January 1, 1808
On this day Congress abolishes African slave trade
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March 4, 1809
On this day James Madison inaugurated as president
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June 18, 1812
On this day U.S. declares war on Great Britain
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August 24, 1814
On this day British capture Washington, D.C., setting fire to White House, Capitol and most Department buildings
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September 14, 1814
On this day Francis Scott Key completes composition of “Star Spangled Banner”
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January 4, 1815
On this day New England Federalists conclude Hartford Convention, protesting Republican war and commercial policy
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March 4, 1815
On this day Treaty of Ghent formally ends War of 1812
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April 10, 1816
On this day Congress charters second Bank of the U.S.
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March 4, 1817
On this day James Monroe inaugurated as president
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November 20, 1817
On this day The First Seminole War begins when Georgia whites raid Seminole settlements inside Spanish controlled Florida
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March 2, 1819
On this day Congress passes first immigration law in U.S. history
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March 6, 1819
Marshall's decision gives the national government a boost
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March 3, 1820
A compromise on Missouri gives us 12 slave states and 12 free
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December 2, 1823
On this day President Monroe declares “Monroe Doctrine,” warning European powers not to interfere in American continents
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March 2, 1824
Marshall has turned the High Court into a force to be reckoned with
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