During America’s early years as a country, the new constitution was adopted.

It created the
groundwork for the nation, but it was up to our founding fathers to maintain and develop the stability of
the nation. John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington all contributed in helping establish a
stable government after the adoption of the Constitution.
John Adams inherited numerous problems from Washington’s term, but still managed to make
significant contributions. John Adams maintained the use of the presidential cabinet by keeping
Washington’s advisors in his presidency. The cabinet system was a staple to the government, as the
members assisted the President in making imperative decisions and were consulted for guidance in
many situations. When Adams became president, the war between France and Britain was causing great
difficulties for the United States. Adams, demonstrating his favor for neutrality, continually attempted to
avoid war with both nations. Adams sent three men on a peace mission to France, and after the French
foreign minister Talleyrand refused to accept the offer unless America publicly apologized and paid
$250,000, Adams refused to submit to France’s insulting requests. This newfound boast of dignity and
power was perhaps one of the first incidents of American pride, and out of this came the first feelings of
American nationalism.
Thomas Jefferson repealed the Alien and Sedition acts, declaring them unconstitutional and
stated that the federal government had no right to exercise those powers that were not specifically
delegated to it by the states. He believed in a government for the people, and had a policy of peace,
stating that “We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.” Jefferson, at the age of 33, drafted the
Declaration of Independence. Conceivably the most important act of his presidency was the Louisiana
Purchase in 1803. It more than doubled the size of the United States, and created the idea of manifest
destiny, which encouraged settlement in the new western lands. Even more significant is the detail of
Jefferson acquiring the land without violent actions or means of war. The Louisiana Purchase initiated
the Lewis and Clark expedition, in which Jefferson confidentially instructed two explorers (Lewis and
Clark) to delve into the new land, and seek out the Pacific as a new profitable route to trade with Asia.
Possibly the most vital President when it relates to establishing government stability is George
Washington. Washington first and foremost established the presidential cabinet, an ingenious piece of
government administration that is still used today. He did a number of things to improve stability in the
colonies, one of great magnitude was his adoption of the Hamilton Plan. He began paying off pre-war
debts at face-value, and also assumed the debts of the states. Washington established the first national
bank, which bolstered the national credit. Doing all of this brought about confidence in the government,
and government bond sales increased. Because of this, the states and the people had a vested interest
in the success of the government. The government had the support of the people, and the support of
the people is an essential element in securing the stability of a nation. Washington’s term proved the
new constitution was strong because Washington was able to disband the Whisky Rebellion. This
showed the strength of the government, and commanded respect.
John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington all provided invaluable contributions
toward the creation of a stable government. They established democratic precedents and set forth new
ideas that added greater stability to the constitutional government. They also aided the centralization
and accumulation of authority, an essential element in a stable government. After all, their planted
government seed has lasted well over two centuries.