George Washingtons Presidency and Precedents First Constitutional Election

George Washington’s Presidency and Precedents

First Constitutional Election - In 1788 ten states voted for the first president under the new Constitution - Washington ran unopposed, and won unanimously - John Adams was elected as vice president - At the time, the Vice President was whoever got the second most votes in Electoral college

Hamilton’s Economic Plan - The national debt was growing - Washington left the new economic plan for the country to Alexander Hamilton - Hamilton came up with an ambitious plan to both strengthen our nation and improve our financial reputation - Hamilton needed to achieve a line of credit to ensure the US could grow financially

Hamilton’s Economic Plan - In 1790 Hamilton made this proposal: The Federal Government will assume (take on) millions of dollars of debt that the state governments owe - This would allow the United States to improve its credit by paying back the debt. Hamilton argued that since the states fought for the freedom of the nation, the nation should pay the debt. (This also conveniently gave the Federal government some leverage) - This was opposed by Southern states who had less debt than Northern states - Hamilton agreed to move the capital from New York (in the North) to a new spot in the South if the South supported his plan

Tariffs

Problems at Home: The Whiskey Rebellion

Trouble out West -Britain and Spain still had forts and settlers out West (especially around the Great Lakes) -Washington tried to make peace with Natives, but American settlers ignored Native land claims. -Fighting broke out and Washington sent troops. -Battle of Fallen Timbers and the Treaty of Greenville forced Native tribes to give up most of what would become Ohio. -See the memorial!

Problems with Europe: Impressment & Neutrality - While Americans at first supported the French Revolution, when it turned bloody it began to disturb many Americans - When Britain and France went to war many American were divided on which side to take, while some wanted to stay out of it entirely. - When the French tried to press the issue President Washington issued a formal Proclamation of Neutrality. - The British also had begun impressing (forcing into service) American sailors. - Washington tried to create a peaceful solution known as Jay’s Treaty, and it helped but it did not deal with impressment.

Washington’s Precedents -The Inaugural Address -Creation of the cabinet -foreign policy of neutrality -”Showed them how to leave” - 2 terms Avoid permanent alliances and political parties!!!

Federalists Democratic-Republicans Leaders: Alexander Hamilton John Adams Thomas Jefferson James Madison What foreign country do they support? Great Britain France How strong should the Federal government be? Very Strong Just strong enough What kind of economy should the US have? Manufacturing, trade based, shipping Farmers Which part of the country supports the party? North South

John Adams’ Presidency - “He kept us out of war with France” https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=COkwde. I 2 Ha. M XYZ Affair ● French diplomats demanded a bribe in order to solve an issue ● John Adams refused, and when it became public people were furious ● All across the US people became more angry and suspicious of France Alien and Sedition Acts ● Illegal to speak criticism of the Government ● Aliens could be imprisoned or deported ● 14 years till citizenship Virginia & Kentucky Resolutions ● Alien and Sedition Acts were illegal ● Suggested States could nullify federal laws ● Promoted the principle of STATES RIGHTS