George Washington as the Precedent President

George Washington  The Right Leader?  Electoral College  The people saw him as a national hero  He had concerns about himself  11 States sent delegates in January 1789  These delegates formed the electoral college  Delegates were to represent the popular vote of the state

The “Precedent President”  Precedent  Action or decision that serves as an example in the future  Washington knew everything he did was being watched by all - both in the U.S. and outside the U.S.  Every act Washington/ the government did was a precedent

A Few Precedents Set By George Washington 1.Creation of the first Cabinet 2.Set up the Federal Court System (Judiciary Act of 1789) 3.Decided what to call the President - both current and past (Mr. President) 4.Decided on the “dress code” of the President 5.Two term presidency 6.Kresge’s Favorite - No president sets foot in Senate This didn’t catch on (too bad)- Proximity at dinner

Executive Branch  Executive Branch  First Cabinet was created (Washington’s idea)  Washington appointed cabinet, but Senate had to approve  Secretary of War – Henry Knox  Secretary of Treasury – Alexander Hamilton  Secretary of State – Thomas Jefferson  Attorney General – Edmund Randolph

What are these meetings?!  The Cabinet  Washington met with the department heads regularly  They advised him on all important matters  Think back to Washington’s education level  Now common practice (precedent)

Judicial Branch  Judiciary Act of 1789  Created a 3 level Federal Court System  Outlined the powers of the courts  District, Appeals, Supreme  Supreme Court has 6 Justices  President nominates, House of Representatives must approve  John Jay – First Chief Justice

Hamilton versus Jefferson Debate HamiltonJefferson New York, former slave orphan in West Indies, self-taught, self-made BackgroundVirginia planter, studies science and govt., wrote the Dec. of Ind. Bankers, wealthy, well- educated, business owners Who they support “Average” people - farmers, shopkeepers Educated and elite citizens to be involved. Commoners stay home! How government should be run Faith in commoners, more democratic. This is NOT England! Support for  England  Businesses/Banks  North Goals for government Support for  France  Farming/Small businesses  South

Washington Myths  Washington was very intelligent, and a great intellect  George Washington was too proper to own slaves, and did not believe in the practice (he had 200 slaves at Mt. Vernon)  Chopping down the Cherry tree  Wooden Teeth (You won’t believe the slave teeth story)  Washington threw a silver dollar across the Potomac River