Objectives What actions were taken to launch the U.S. government? What did Alexander Hamilton do to strengthen the economy?

Vocabulary Precedent Cabinet National debt bond Speculator Unconstitutional Tariff

President Washington Washington was not thinking about being President, but retiring. On 30 April 1789, 57 year old George Washington took the oath of office for the Presidency under the current constitution.

President Washington John Adams became the 1st Vice President. Many people feared a President would try to become king. 5 families in England would overthrow the king in that country and become tyrannical monarchies.

President Washington Washington knew his presidency would set Precedents for future presidents. Precedents- traditions or historical way

President Washington Many decisions had to be made about who reported to whom because it was not spoken to in the constitution.

President Washington First Congress Congress set up the State department, Treasury and War. It also created the office of Attorney General to handle legal affairs

President Washington First Congress Washington chose Thomas Jefferson to head the Dept. of State Alexander Hamilton-Treasury Henry Knox- War Edmund Randolph- AG This was the first Cabinet- Dept. heads that report to the President.

President Washington First Congress Opinion in Congress was divided over how much power the president should have over the cabinet. Congress approved the authority of the President, however to fire cabinet officials. w/o Senate approval