The new government met for the first time in April 1789 in New York City. As promised during the ratification process, Congress passed the Bill of Rights during its first session and sent the amendments to the states for ratification.
Though reluctant, George Washington accepted the office of President and guided the Republic through its early, uncertain days. His secretary of the treasury, Alexander Hamilton, put the nation's finances in order by paying the country's debts, raising taxes, and establishing a national bank. Disagreements between Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson-also a cabinet member-led to the formation of the first political parties. Hamilton's party, the Federalists, favored a strong central government. The Democratic-Republicans, Jefferson's party, favored stronger state governments.
Washington tried to keep the nation neutral when the French Revolution brought war to Europe. Problems with France continued to grow, however. Federalist John Adams-the second president-singed an unpopular treaty with France to avoid war. Attempts by Adams's supporters to silence criticism resulted in weaker support for the Federalist party.
The Democratic-Republicans won the election of 1800, denying Adams a second term. Due to a tie between Jefferson and Aaron Burr, both of whom were Democratic-Republicans, and because of the voting methods of the time, the House of Representatives cast the deciding vote. In a close ballot, House members chose Thomas Jefferson as the next President.
