TCI 11.Intro Political Developments in the Early Republic

After the American Revolution, leaders worked to guide the government formed under the Constitution.  Look at the illustration of the four important leaders in the government.  On the far right stands George Washington, who had been lured out of retirement to serve as the nation's first president.  Seldom has a leader seemed more  reluctant  to take power.  “My movements to the chair of government,” he wrote on leaving home, “will be accompanied by feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution. ”

Washington chose Hamilton and Jefferson for these positions because of all they had in common. Both were patriots who had served their country during the war. Both also had brilliant minds.

However, for all they had in common, the two men were opposites in many ways. Hamilton dressed with great care, while Jefferson was sloppy with clothes. Hamilton was a doer who moved from task to task, but Jefferson was a thinker who took time to explore ideas.

As you will discover, Hamilton and Jefferson soon became political rivals.  Their conflicting visions about the role of government eventually gave rise to the nation's first political parties and continue to influence America today.

1. Listen the the following song and read the lyrics as you listen.

• The song you are about to hear is called "Hail, Columbia."

• It was first performed at George Washington's inauguration in 1789.

2. Then, after you listen to the song, you will answer the corresponding questions on the next slide:

  *What are three adjectives that describe the song’s mood?

* How do you think Washington’s swearing in as president united the country?