George Washington: The First President

Launching The Nation On April 14, 1789 at Mt. Vernon, George Washington was handed a letter informing him he had been chosen unanimously as the first president of the United States.

Washington was concerned that his age and lack of experience would make him a poor president

Many Americans admired Washington Many Americans admired Washington. They believed that his strong character, honesty, and patriotism would make him an excellent leader. They felt he would be a model for all citizens.

It took two weeks for Washington To make the journey from Mt. Vernon to New York city. New York city was to be the capital until a new one Could be built.

The Cabinet Washington was now head of the executive branch, but he knew he could not make all of the decisions on his own, so he appointed advisers.

Thomas Jefferson was chosen secretary of state These advisers made up the cabinet. Washington picked the very best and brightest to fill these positions- Thomas Jefferson was chosen secretary of state because he knew a lot about foreign nations. Alexander Hamilton was chosen secretary of the treasury because he knew a lot about finances. http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/cabinet

TITLE Some senators thought that the House of Representatives’ proposal that Washington be called simply “Mr. President” was ridiculous.

They suggested such titles as: “His Elective Highness” or “His Highness the President of the United States and Protector of the Rights of the Same.”

Washington, however, began the precedent of a president being called simply “Mr. President” or “President Washington.”

Judiciary Act The judicial branch needed some organizing since the constitution did not specify the number or location of federal courts.

In September 1789, Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1789 which created our federal court system. John Jay was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Thomas Jefferson Versus Alexander Hamilton

BONDS

Bonds are pieces of paper exchanged for cash. The piece of paper can be redeemed, after a set amount of time, for the amount plus interest.

They are issued by the government to pay for things (schools, wars, etc). During the American Revolution, both federal and state governments used bonds to raise money to pay soldiers and buy supplies.

Most municipal bonds are not actually paid back to the people Most municipal bonds are not actually paid back to the people. Municipal bonds such as school and military. How can people voice their opinion on these bonds?

Hamilton’s Plan To pay back the bonds: http://en2.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton

Hamilton wanted the national government to pay off state and national bonds He wanted to redeem the bonds and pay the interest to those holding the bonds, then he wanted to sell more bonds

Jefferson’s objections To Hamilton’s plan:

Most of the original bond-owners had sold their bonds to speculators Jefferson did not think it was right to pay the speculators the money when they were not the ones originally willing to invest in the country.

Southern states had already paid most of their bonds off, so they would not benefit as much from the national government paying off state bonds NOT FAIR

Compromise Solution The debate over paying off state debts was dividing northern and southern states.

Hamilton proposed a compromise to make southern states happier. Hamilton suggested that southern states allow the national government to pay off state debts IF the new capital city were located in the southern part of the country.

Southern states agreed and the capital city was planned to be in the southern part of the country, near Virginia and Maryland. It would be named Washington, District of Columbia.

Power of the Government Hamilton: Believed in a strong central government “the people….seldom judge or determine right.” He wanted a strong central government that balanced power between the “mass of the people” and wealthier citizens. Jefferson: Disagreed strongly with Hamilton’s views of the average citizen’s ability. Firmly defended the right of the people to rule the country.

Economic Growth Hamilton: Promote manufacturing and business. Pass a higher tariff on imported goods. He hoped this would cause Americans to buy U.S. products. Jefferson: Believe that farmers were the most independent voters. Wanted lower tariffs, which would help farmers by keeping the price of imported goods low.

Debate over the Bank Hamilton: Wanted to start a national bank. Why? Deposit money safely, make loans to government and businesses. Build a national mint – a place where coins are made. Loose Construction: the federal government can take any reasonable actions that the Constitution does not specifically forbid it from taking.

Debate over the Bank Jefferson: Against establishing a national bank. Why? Did not believe the Constitution gave Congress this power. Strict Constitution: The federal government should only do what the Constitution specifically says it can do.

Debate over the Bank Washington: agreed with Hamilton. A bank would offer more security for the national economy. In 1791, Congress chartered the Bank of the United States.