John Marshall on George Washington

“the continent was divided into two great political parties, the one of which contemplated America as a nation, and labored incessantly to invest the federal head with powers competent to the preservation of the union. The other attached itself to the state authorities, viewed all the powers of congress with jealousy, and assented reluctantly to measures which would enable the head to act, in any respect, independently of the members. Men of enlarged and liberal minds…arranged generally in the first party.”

• John Marshall, The Life of George Washington (1804-1807)

1. What is the significance of Marshall writing the above passage in the middle of the 1800s? Your answer should include how Marshall’s political ideology influenced his writing.

2. Choose three of the following and explain whether they confirm or undermine Marshall’s assessment of the parties

1. Neutrality Proclamation

2. Whiskey Rebellion

3. Jay’s Treaty

1. Alien and Sedition Acts

2. Louisiana Purchase

3. Embargo Act

3. What does this excerpt tell us about attitudes in the early republic toward political parties and the two-party system?