The Presidency of George Washington Term: 1789-1797 Presidential number: 1 Party: federalist party

What do we know about Washington up until this point? He was a decorated war hero Fought with the British in the French and Indian War (1754-1763) Led the Continental Army against the British in the War for Independence (Revolutionary War) Trenton and crossing the Delaware Valley Forge Yorktown

Setting a Precedent What is a precedent? A precedent is a guide or an example Precedents he set: Term limits “Mr. President” Cabinet Ensuring that the Executive Branch “enforces” the law

Term Limits, Mr. President, and the Cabinet President Washington chose to not run for a 3rd term, therefore, he set the precedent for future presidents to not serve more than 2 terms (until the 22nd Amendment in the 1950s) He chose to be called “Mr. President” rather than “his majesty or his excellency”. He didn’t want to be portrayed like a king. He organized the first Cabinet which was leaders of the Departments of State, Treasury, War as well as the Attorney General and the Vice President. These men would serve as his advisors. Today there are a total of 15 departments.

What He DID NOT Set as a Precedent His distaste for political factions He did not like political parties because they only represent the few Staying out of European and other nations’ affairs He stated that trading was fine but that should be it! BOTH OF THESE POINTS WERE PART OF HIS FAREWELL ADDRESS IN 1796

The Whiskey Rebellion 1791 Great Britain and France were once again at war Washington did not want to take sides Trade with Great Britain was booming because the US convinced Great Britain to forgive many pre-Revolutionary war debts and to drop restrictions on trade Washington also encouraged Congress to pass taxes on liquor to help pay states’ war debt from the Revolutionary War The tax hit small whiskey-makers because they made liquor using excess crops of grain in order to make it easier to transport

The Whiskey Rebellion (continued…) It happened in Pennsylvania Armed violence broke out as farmers frightened and attacked the tax collectors for the government Washington led a large militia force into the area to put down a rebellion Washington’s response was a PRECEDENT for presidents having the authority to enforce the law

Trivia He was unanimously chosen as president both terms He was sworn into office in New York City (the first capital) His wife’s name was Martha He didn’t have any biological children He really didn’t chop down a cherry tree He had dentures