The early republic refers to the period immediately after American independence when George Washington served as president (1789-1797). It encompasses early efforts to establish national governance under the newly formed Constitution.
Related terms
Constitution: The Constitution is the supreme law of the United States, establishing the structure of government and outlining citizens' rights. It was drafted during the early republic and remains the foundation for American governance.
Federalists: Federalists were political leaders who supported a strong central government and advocated for ratifying the Constitution. They played a significant role in shaping policies during the early republic.
Anti-Federalists: In contrast to Federalists, Anti-Federalists were skeptical of a strong central government and had concerns about individual liberties. They demanded amendments to protect citizens' rights before supporting the Constitution's ratification.