American Parliament 1783-present!

[TommyC1776]

After winning the war of Independence all 13 states form a Constitution which would have a House of Commons as well as a House of Lords.  George Washington is unanimously elected Prime Minister of the United States.

1783 Government:
Governor General: Benjamin Franklin
Prime Minister: George Washington
Deputy Prime Minister: John Adams
Leader of the Opposition: Thomas Jefferson
Deputy Leader of the Opposition: Aaron Burr
Lord Speaker: John Langdon

Washington officially takes office at the end of September 1783.

[TommyC1776]

1st Parliament:
House of Commons: 40 Pro-Administration, 24 Anti-Administration
House of Lords: 17 Pro-Administration, 9 Anti-Administration

Elections will take place every four years unless one is called in between then.

[TommyC1776]

The first parliamentary vote to take place in the US House of Commons was one on the Department of State Act.  It passed unanimously.  The House of Lords also passed it unanimously.  Over the next couple months it also passed the Department of War Act and the Department of Treasury Act.

[TommyC1776]

At the end of February 1784 John Wesley ordains priests for the Methodist Church.

That summer Elizabeth Thible becomes the first woman to fly in a hot air balloon.

In the fall Vermont becomes the 14th province thus adding two seats to the House of Lords and two in the House of Commons.

New Parliament setup (since VT)
House of Commons: 40 Pro-Administration, 26 Anti-Administation
House of Lords: 18 Pro-Administration, 10 Anti-Administration

[TommyC1776]

At the end of 1784 Kentucky becomes the 15th province.  It gives 5 seats to the House of Commons and 2 to the House of Lords.

1st Parliament (including Kentucky)
House of Commons: 43 Pro-Administration, 28 Anti-Administration
House of Lords: 19 Pro-Administration, 11 Anti-Administration

Wait and see what happens in 1785.

[TommyC1776]

On January 1, 1785, what would become known as the Times, releases its first article.

The Times


Back at home there's debate on a Bill of Rights for all Americans.  Prime Minister George Washington decides to bring it up for a vote in the Commons.  There's a huge debate that goes on for weeks about what should be in it.  The vote is 60-11.  It passes in the House of Lords 22-8.  Governor General Benjamin Franklin signs it into law on March 30, 1785.

[TommyC1776]

By summer there's debate on the Naturalization Act of 1785.  It passes both Houses overwhelmingly.  It states what you need to do in order to become a citizen of the UPA.  UPA=United Provinces of America.

[TommyC1776]

As 1786 gets closer there's speculation that Washington may call for an election early.  He plans to meet with Governor General Ben Franklin in the fall of 1785.

[TommyC1776]

On January 17th, 1786 Governor General Benjamin Franklin turns 80.  Prime Minister Washington issues a birthday note: "I want to wish the Governor General a Happy 80th."  Even Aing George III sends his wishes to Franklin: "Mr. Franklin you've done a great job so far as Governor General.  I want to wish you a Happy Birthday."

About a month later Prime Minister Washington asks Franklin to dissolve parliament and call an election in July 1786.  Franklin agrees to the terms.

Wait and see how Election 1786 turns out.  Will Washington get more seats?

[TommyC1776]

ELECTION 1786:
2nd Parliament:
House of Commons: 40 Federalists, 31 Anti-Federalists

Note: Pro-Washington MP's are now Federalists.

Same leaders as before.  Washington will take the oath of office in September for his 2nd term.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Interesting. What are the regular areas of support for the Feds and Anti-Feds?

[TommyC1776]

Federalists are for a large central government and the Anti-Federalists are more of a lesser government.

[FEMA Camp Administrator]

Federalists are for a large central government and the Anti-Federalists are more of a lesser government.

Geographically, I mean.

[TommyC1776]

Federalists are for a large central government and the Anti-Federalists are more of a lesser government.

Geographically, I mean.

Lol.  Sorry.  Read it wrong.  Federalists support mainly in northeast and VA.  The Anti-Federalists have support mainly in the South and parts of MD.

[TommyC1776]

In September of 1786 George Washington begins his second term as Prime Minister.  "Americans I want to thank you for giving my government another chance to serve as the majority party in the House of Commons.  Over the next few years we will continue our progress.  We've done a lot including pass a Bill of Rights.  Thank you and God Bless America."

On January 11, 1787 William Herschel discovered 2 moons of Uranus.  In May a Civil War breaks out in the Dutch Republic.

[TommyC1776]

On October 5th, 1787 Tennessee becomes the 16th Province of the United Provinces of America.

New makeup of 2nd Parliament:
House of Commons: 42 Federalists, 35 Anti-Federalists
House of Lords: 19 Federalists, 13 Anti-Federalists

On January 30, 1788 Governor General Benjamin Franklin decides to resign.  "I'm getting old in years and I need more time to myself.  So therefore I must resign."

A few days later Prime Minister George Washington asks King George III to appoint Lord Speaker John Langdon as Governor General.  HM agrees and John Langdon becomes the 2nd Governor General of the United Provinces of America.  This leaves a seat open in the House of Lords.  John Sullivan replaces Langdon making the setup of the Lords the same as before.  The new Lord Speaker will be Oliver Ellsworth of CT.

[TommyC1776]

In the beginning of 1789 Georgetown University is founded.

In the spring Parliament debates and passes the Election Act of 1789 which declares that after the 1790 election all elections will be held every 5 years instead of 4 years.  However if there's a vote of no confidence than the government can call an election before the 5 years are up.

On July 14th, 1789 the French begin their revolution.

[TommyC1776]

As 1790 gets closer the biggest campaign issue is France.  Should or shouldn't the US help the French?  

Prime Minister Washington asks Governor General John Langdon to dissolve Parliament and call an election.  Washington and the Federalists don't want involvement in France's war.  They feel, at this point, neutrality is the best.  However, Opposition Leader Thomas Jefferson, feels different.  Jefferson goes across the country stating the need for war.

On April 17, 1790 former Governor General Benjamin Franklin Dies.  Washington says "We lost a true patriot."  Jefferson says "He was a great man, who really loved his country."

1790 Election:
House of Commons: 41 Federalists, 36 Anti-Federalists
The House of Lords is the same.

Prime Minister Washington will take the oath of office for his 3rd term in September 1790.

The census of 1790 reveals there will a total of 83 seats in the next Parliament (unless another Province is admitted to the Union).

[TommyC1776]

Washington says in his 3rd inauguration (on September 4, 1790) "Americans with the Federalists still in power we will keep our neutrality stance.  Our opponents on the other side feel we must enter the war.  I disagree.  Anyways, get ready for another term."

In January 1791 the British Parliament passes an Act that would split Quebec into Upper and Lower Canada.

That summer the King Louis XVI and his family are captured.

In the fall the Postal Service Act of 1791 passes the Commons with a vote of 56-21.  It passes the Lords chamber with a vote of 23-7.  Governor General Langdon signs it on October 5, 1791.

The following year the Commons and Lords pass the Fugitive Slave Act of 1792.

[TommyC1776]

On January 21, 1793 King Louis XVI is beheaded.

In March of 1793 France declares war on Spain.  That summer Upper Canada passes the Act Against Slavery.

In September of 1793 Prime Minister Washington celebrates being in office for 10 years.  "Its been a great 10 years so far.  I've enjoyed serving in the highest office in the land."

[TommyC1776]

In the spring of 1794 Commons and Lords pass the Slave Trade Act of 1794.  Also the 11th Amendment passes Congress at the same time.

On June 11, 1794 Prime Minister George Washington sends his resignation notice to Governor General Langdon.  Langdon accepts and John Adams becomes Prime Minister.  Washington officially resigns June 15, 1794 as PM.  Adams appoints Charles Pinckney as Deputy Prime Minister about a week later.

Washington will still stay in his seat but not be PM anymore.

John Adams takes the oath of office on June 15, 1794.  "Americans I hope to make this transition a good one.  We only have one year until Election Day.  Lets make sure the Federalists keep power and the Anti-Federalists don't."

Adams looks to a fight with Jefferson during the 1795 general election.  Burr (AF-Manhattan) decides to campaign hard in the north to breakthrough with a few more Anti-Federalist wins.

[TommyC1776]

1795 Election:
House of Commons: 45 Anti-Federalists, 38 Federalists.  Thomas Jefferson will become the 3rd Prime Minister of the UPA on September 4, 1795.

On July 15th, John Adams asks Governor General John Langdon to dissolve Parliament until the new one takes effect at the beginning of September.  Adams will stay on as Opposition Leader for awhile.

Jefferson takes the oath of office on September 4, 1795.  "Americans wanted a new government and they got one.  Thanks for giving me the chance to govern."  Adams makes a speech on the floor that day as Opposition Leader "Americans the Federalists are now in the minority.  We governed in office for 12 years and they were very successful years.  I want to congratulate newly elected Prime Minister Jefferson on his win."

4th Parliament:
Prime Minister: Thomas Jefferson
Deputy Prime Minister: Aaron Burr
Opposition Leader: John Adams
Deputy Opposition Leader: Charles Pinckney
Lord Speaker: Oliver Ellsworth

[TommyC1776]

In early 1796 Lord Speaker Oliver Ellsworth dies suddenly of a heart attack.

House of Lords composition: 18 Federalists, 13 Anti-Federalists.  An election will be held to fill Ellsworth's seat that fall.  In the meantime, Samuel Livermore, becomes the Lord Speaker.

That fall Elijah Boardman becomes the new Lord from CT as an Anti-Federalist.  Also Ohio becomes the 17th Province of the United States.  Both Lords will be Anti-Federalists.

New makeup:
House of Commons: 50 Anti-Federalists, 41 Federalists
House of Lords: 18 Federalists, 16 Anti-Federalists

[TommyC1776]

In the spring of 1797 Jays Treaty was ratified.

On May 12th, Napolean gained control of Venice.

That fall the British Navy conquers the Batavian Republic's ships.

The Battle of Camperdown:

[TommyC1776]

On January 30, 1798 John Adams resigns as Opposition Leader making Charles Pinckney the new Opposition Leader.  A few days later he selects Alexander Hamilton as Deputy Opposition Leader.

Adams farewell address as Opposition Leader:
"Americans I want to thank you for having me serve as Deputy Prime Minister, Prime Minister and then Opposition Leader.  I feel, at this time, that I must resign my post as Opposition Leader.  Deputy Opposition Leader Charles Pinckney will take over as the leader of the Opposition.  Thanks again and God Bless America."

Charles Pinckney: