Washington Presidency and Political Parties

Precedents Precedent- Something done that becomes the model for future occurances Washington is remembered for two main precedents… 1. Two-Term Presidency- Stayed in office for two 4 year terms in office 2. Cabinet- leaders who headed major departments of the executive branch

Secretary of War- Henry Knox American Revolution hero and veteran Dealt primarily with the federal government’s relationship with Native Americans

Secretary of Treasury- Alexander Hamilton Economic genius Tasked with figuring out how to get US government out of all its debt On the $10 bill

Secretary of State- Thomas Jefferson Author of the Declaration of Independence Lawyer and served on the Virginia House of Burgesses Would become the third POTUS

Judiciary Branch Judiciary Act of 1789- Set up a federal court system

Main Problem: War Debt 1. Hamilton’s Plan a. Tariff- Place tax on imported goods b. National Bank- Finance a strong federal government and state debts c. Whiskey Tax- Placed Tax on whiskey which eventually led to the Whiskey Rebellion

Whiskey Rebellion Farmers in western Pennsylvania were angry about the newly passed tax on distilled liquor and rebelled Washington gathered and led troops to suppress the rebellion Displayed the strength of the new federal government created under the US Constitution

Creation of Political Parties Despite Washington's advice, American politicians split into two political parties The parties were divided over several major issues The two parties would become the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans

First Political Parties Political Party Democratic-Republicans Federalists Main supporters Thomas Jefferson James Madison James Monroe Henry Clay Alexander Hamilton John Adams George Washington (Sort of) Interpretation of the Constitution Strict Construction- follow Constitution word for word. Restricts power of federal government Loose Construction- Federal government has implied powers Power: Who should govern? The people/the states The Federal Government Type of People Middle or lower class Americans/ Common people The rich, educated elite Taxes Low taxes High Taxes National Bank? Against In favor Foreign Alliances: France vs. Britain France Britain