Washingtons Presidency The First President Elected Jan 1789

Washington’s Presidency

The First President • Elected Jan. 1789 by electoral college • Vice President: John Adams Washington considered it his duty “to render service to his country in obedience to its call”

Setting Precedents “The first of everything in our situation will serve to establish a precedent. ” • Precedent—an action or a decision that serves as an example for later generations

Setting Precedents • Created a Cabinet – a group of men to keep him informed and help him make decisions.

Setting Precedents Secretary of Treasury: Alexander Hamilton Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson

Setting Precedents Attorney General: Edmund Randolph Secretary of War: Henry Knox

Judiciary Act of 1789 • Established federal court system

Supreme Court of Appeals District Courts

Judiciary Act of 1789 – John Jay: first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

Settling the Debt • DEBT= biggest problem for Washington • Hamilton’s 3 step plan – Replace Bonds – Pass Tariffs – Create Bank

Hamilton vs. Jefferson Alexander Hamilton: Strong central government Thomas Jefferson: States’ rights

Hamilton vs. Jefferson Loose constructionist of the Constitution- government can do more as long as Constitution does not prohibit Strict constructionist of the Constitution- government can only do what is written in the Constitution

Hamilton vs. Jefferson Promoted manufacturing & business Promoted agriculture

Hamilton vs. Jefferson Wanted high tariffs for U. S. manufacturers Wanted low tariffs for farmers

Hamilton vs. Jefferson • Protective tariff—tax on imported goods to raise the prices of foreign goods in order to protect domestic products

Chevrolet Silverado Toyota Tundra $20, 000 $18, 000

Chevrolet Silverado $20, 000 Toyota Tundra $18, 000 + $4, 000 tariff = $22, 000

Foreign Affairs • French Revolution led to more fighting between Britain and France. – Hamilton wanted to help Britain. – Jefferson wanted to help France. – Washington wanted to help neither.

Foreign Affairs • Washington issues Neutrality Proclamation- U. S. will not take sides in European conflicts.

The Whiskey Rebellion • March 1791: Congress passed a tax on American-made whiskey to help pay war debt

The Whiskey Rebellion • Americans living in the west believed the tax was unfair

The Whiskey Rebellion • Farmers in western Pennsylvania refused to pay the tax- harassed tax collectors. • Washington led 13, 000 troops stop the rebellion.

Washington Says Goodbye • Washington served 2 terms and then resigned. • In his Farewell Address, he told the nation goodbye and gave advice for the future… – Do not form political parties – Do not make allies – Do not borrow money