Aim 17: Describe Characteristics of George Washington’s Presidency Homework: p. 98 #1

Unwritten Constitution Established by George Washington Traditions in the US government that have been constantly practiced but are not written in the Constitution Examples: Term Limits Political parties Cabinet

Term Limits Term limits were originally part of the unwritten constitution, but an amendment was added to the constitution after F.D.R.’s death

Political Parties The disagreements between Hamilton and Jefferson over the bank, state rights, and the economy led to the formation of the first political parties: Alexander Hamilton: Federalists Thomas Jefferson: Democratic/Republican

Major areas of difference FederalistsDemocrat- Republicans Leaders of the party Alexander Hamilton, John Adams and John Marshall Thomas Jefferson, James Madison Belief about who was most fit to run the country Rich, educated, “well-born” men of high social position (upper class) Men of talent, a meritocracy, which is a government ruled by ability (merit) rather than by wealth, race or class Strongest level of government Strong federal governmentStrong state governments, with limited federal power Foreign affairs Favored BritainFavored France Geographic areas of support New EnglandSouth and West Main supporters Merchants, manufacturersFarmers, artisans (workers) Federal bank In favor, because Congress had power to collect taxes and would stabilize currency Against, because Constitution did not grant Congress that power, too much federal power Voting rights Must own property to voteVote open to all adult white males

During the debate over ratification of the Constitution, two organized groups emerged, the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists. Washington opposed political parties, but they soon surfaced within his own Cabinet. Jefferson’s supporters became the Democrat- Republicans while Hamilton’s became the Federalists. JeffersonHamilton The first political parties emerged

Cabinet A group of presidential advisors nominated by the president and confirmed by the senate. The cabinet is part of the Unwritten Constitution and is an example of Checks and balances

Cabinet Under George Washington Alexander Hamilton –Sec. of Treasury Thomas Jefferson -Sec. of State Henry Knox -Sec. of War Edmund Randolph - Attorney General

Aim 18: Hamilton’s Financial Plan HW. p. 98 #3 Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury. His financial plan included: 1)Pay off the national debt. 2)Create a National Bank 3)The Federal government will assume responsibility for state debt (assumption plan) National bank

Hamilton needed to pay off the large public debt. Chart indicates the receipts (income) could not cover the amount of the debt.

First National Bank Current National Bank

Elastic Clause A clause in the Constitution that gives the federal government the power to do anything “necessary and proper” Examples: Alexander Hamilton’s creation of the National Bank

Implied Powers Same as Elastic Clause. Congress has the power to do anything that is “necessary and proper.” Congressional Power

Strict Constructionist/ Strict Interpretation A view of the Constitution that states that the federal government can only exercise the powers specifically written in the Constitution (delegated powers). Jefferson and the Democratic Republicans

Loose Construction/ Loose Interpretation A view of the Constitution that states Congress should have the power to do anything that is “necessary and proper” (elastic clause). This expands the government’s power. Alexander Hamilton’s creation of the National Bank Federalist Party

New York Historical Society Hamilton Exhibit g/virtualtour/good.htmlhttp:// g/virtualtour/good.html

... The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop.... Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course....Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice [whim]? It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.... — George Washington’s Farewell Address, 1796 According to this document, what United States foreign policy did President George Washington favor? [1]

Aim #19: Proclamation of Neutrality President Washington announced a policy of neutrality in a war between Great Britain and France He warned that the US should avoid permanent and entangling alliances. George Washington

Washington arrives at Congress Hall in Philadelphia, March 4, 1793

Washington died on December 14, 1799 John Marshall informs Congress: "First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen."