Washington Takes Office George Washington's actions as the first President of the united states served as an example for all the presidents who followed him in office

The First President - February 1789- the Electoral College unanimously votes George Washington to be President. (only time that has happened) -April 1789 – Washington inaugurated in New York City

The President’s Cabinet Congress created different departments in the Executive Branch Washington chose one person to lead each department Thomas Jefferson – Secretary of State Alexander Hamilton – Secretary of the Treasury Henry Knox – Secretary of War Edmund Randolph – Attorney General The Cabinet is an example of a practice begun by Washington that has continued

First Political Parties Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton had many disagreements Followers of Jefferson – Democratic-Republicans Followers of Hamilton - Federalists

Building a Strong Economy Hamilton wanted a national bank to hold the government’s money Issued paper money accepted throughout = standard currency easier to trade with people in different states Hamilton also had the government pay war debts Hamilton supported tariffs (tax on imported goods), not accepted by Congress

A New Capital In 1790, a capital was wanted that was not part of an existing city George Washington chose the location on the Potomac River Washington, District of Columbia is not part of any state French engineer, Pierre-Charles L’Enfant designed the city Second President John Adams moved into the President’s Palace, later the White House, when it was unfinished