PREFACE. THE political history of the United States has received less attention than any other important portion of the history of our country, notwithstanding the fact that there is no other subject which meets with such general consideration as politics. The object of this work is to present a complete HISTORY OF AMERICAN POLITICS, giving the subject ample consideration, yet avoiding those details that consume the time of the reader without adding materially to his historical information. The plan of the work is designed to simplify the story of our political history, thus making clear and intelligent what is otherwise, to a large proportion of our citizens, a great mass of documents too extensive for perusal. Chapter I. treats of local colonial politics, and closes with a plate that represents mechanically the nature of colonial governments in their individual capacity. Chapter II. sets forth the difference between the colonists and the parent country on national colonial politics, and presents those issues that ultimately drove the Americans into the war of independence. This chapter is followed by a plate that exhibits to the eye the leading features of the British government, and represents how, according to the English colonial system, the colonies were under the supreme power of Parliament. Chapter III. presents revolutionary politics, and is accompanied by a plate which shows the sovereign and independent condition of the thirteen colonies, and their lack of coöperation with the Continental Congress by any binding law. Chapter IV. gives the political history of our country from revolutionary times till the beginning of the administration of our first President, and is rendered more valuable by a plate which represents the government of the United States under the articles of confederation. Chapter V. is devoted to the political history of Washington's administration, and is classified so as to present, in the order of their occurrence, the history of the sessions of Congress. Political events that took place outside of Congress are considered between congressional events, in their proper chronological order. Following the historical portion of the chapter is a plate showing, by several hundred wheels and rings, the nature and workings of the federal government, and its harmonious coöperation with the governments of the states. The succeeding portions of the work treat the political history of the United States by administrations, following the manner of Chapter V. At the close of each chapter are references, naming the publications from which the history of American politics must be gleaned. To these are added lists of the names of federal officers; the platforms of the political parties; and other important documents of historical interest. At the close of the volume is a diagram, showing, at a glance, the history of all the political parties in our country from 1607 till 1883. The plate is of valuable aid in obtaining a rapid and comprehensive idea of the political history of the United States. In preparing this volume, information has been obtained from numerous publications, and from individuals who have made American politics a subject of careful study. Among those who have readily responded to any inquiries, and have willingly rendered whatever assistance requested, may be mentioned Judge Scott, of the Supreme Bench of Indiana; Hon. Berry Sulgrove, ex-editor of the Indianapolis Journal; and ex-Senator W. B. F. Treat. The work is now before the public, and the reader can judge as to the value of the information furnished. Indiana University, Bloomington. WALTER R. HOUGHTON. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Local Self-Government-Charter Governments-Royal Governments- Proprietary Governments-Party Names in Colonial Times-The Court Party-The Popular Rights Party-Political Lines First Drawn-Ref- erences.......... Political Relations of the Colonies-Political Claims of the Colonists- Policy of England toward the Colonies-Declarative Resolves-The Stamp Act-The Declaratory Act-Declaration and Resolves of the Continental Congress, October 14, 1774-Beginning of Hostilities-De- claration of Independence-Revolutionary Parties-References-Decla- ration and Resolves of the Continental Congress.............. Pages 8-23 State Governments During the Revolution-The Continental Congress- Status of the States and the Continental Congress—Articles of Confed- eration-The Whig Party-The Tory Party-References-Declaration Nature of the Confederation-Distrust of Power-Weakness of Congress- Shay's Rebellion-Agitation to amend the Confederation-The Ann- apolis Convention-Constitutional Convention, 1787-Adoption of the Constitution-Presidential Election of 1789-Work of the Continental Congress-Party Action from 1781 to 1787-Particularists-Strong- Government Men-Federal Party-The Anti-Federal Party-Refer- ences- -Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union Between the Federal Party in Power-Anti-Federals Organize-Tariff and the Regu- lation of Commerce-Bill of Rights-State Sovereignty- Financial Policy-The Debt-National Bank-Internal Revenue-Militia-Sla- very-Party Organization-Election of 1792-France-Foreign Policy -England-Internal Taxation-Election of 1796-Retirement of Washington--Strict Constructionists--Broad Constructionists-Death of the Anti-Federal Party-Republican Party-Democrats-Democratic- Republican Party-References-Constitution of the United States-Ex- planation of Plate V.-Washington's Farewell Address... Pages 65-124 President's Position-France-"Stamp Act "-War with France Threat- ened-Preparation for War-Alien and Sedition Laws-The Natural- ization Law-The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions-Rupture of the Cabinet-The Election of 1800-Democrats-Downfall of Feder- THOMAS JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATIONS. Republican Principles-Outlook of the New Administration-Official Pa- tronage--Naturalization Law-The Purchase of Louisiana--Secession Contemplated-Election of 1804--The Embargo-Election of 1808-- The Non-Intercourse Act-Republicanism Tested--Political Parties during Jefferson's Administrations-Name "Republican" grows into The President's Policy-Diplomacy-Attempt to Recharter the National Bank-Third Embargo-Declaration of War-Election of 1812-Fed- eral Opposition to the War-The Peace Party-The Hartford Conven- tion-Peace Declared-Death of the Federal Party-National Bank- Protective Tariff-Election of 1816-References............ Pages 173-186 Era of Good Feeling-Jackson's Advice-Internal Improvements-The cans Unopposed-The Monroe Doctrine-Protective Tariff-Election JOHN QUINCY ADAMS'S ADMINISTRATION. The President's Policy-Opposition to the President-Republican Party Divided - The Panama Mission - The Controversy with Georgia- High Tariff of 1828-Election of 1828-The Anti-Mason Party—Ref· The President's Policy-Party Opposition-Removals from Office-The Webster and Hayne Debate-Pocket Veto-Jackson and Calhoun- The Nullification or Calhoun Party-Land Proceeds-Attempted Re- charter of the National Bank-Internal Improvements-The Tariff of 1832-Election of 1832- Anti-Slavery Society -- Nullification Ordi- nance-Compromise Tariff of 1833 - Removal of Deposits - State Banks-Resolution of Censure-The Whig Party-Locofocos-Election of 1836-Specie Circular-Texas-Anti-Slavery Mail - The Right of Petition-References-Anti-Mason Resolution-Political Platforms- President's Policy-Panic of 1837-Sub-Treasury-Annexation of Texas- State Bank Depositories vs. Sub-Treasury-The Right of Petition— The Abolition Party-Liberty Party-Election of 1840-References- Political Platforms..... HARRISON AND TYLER'S ADMINISTRATIONS. President's Policy--The President's Death-Tyler's Inaugural Address-- Repeal of the Sub-Treasury Act-Rupture Between the President and the Whigs-The Native American Party-Hunkers and Barn-burn- ers-Election of 1844-Annexation of Texas-References-Platforms. Polk's Inaugural Address-Annexation of Texas-War with Mexico- |