1. A New Nation
Mrs. Ingram

2. George Washington 1st President chosen by Electoral College
Reluctant to accept the offer
Inaugurated (sworn in) on April 30, 1789
Precedents:
Adds the words “so help me God” to the oath
Called “Mr. President”
Served two terms
Neutrality– not taking sides in a conflict.

3. Washington’s Cabinet- another precedent!
Article 2, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution states: “[The President] may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices.”
This is more commonly known as the Cabinet.
Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson
Secretary of the Treasury: Alexander Hamilton
Secretary of War: Henry Knox
Attorney General: Edmund Randolph

4. Alexander Hamilton’s Plan
Needed to pay off debts from the American Revolution and stabilize economy
Pay off debts and interest
Create national currency and bank
Impose whiskey tax and tariffs
Federal gov assumes state debts

5. Why the Four Parts? Pay off debts and interest
Other countries lend us more $$$-- improve credit!!!
Create national currency and bank
Less confusion with 1 currency
Bank = safe place to keep money
Ability to issue loans
Impose whiskey tax and tariffs
Generate revenue
Encourage industry tariff = tax on imported goods
Federal gov assumes (i.e. assumption) state debts
Country is paying off debt instead of individual states– promotes unity!

6. The Compromise to Hamilton’s Plan
Virginia disagreed strongly with the assumption portion of the plan. Why?
Virginia and other southern states had mostly paid off their debts.
Virginia wanted the capital to be established along the Potomac River.
Thus, the national capital would be moved from New York to present-day Washington D.C. in ten years’ time.

7. Establishing the Courts
The Judiciary Act of 1789 established a federal system of courts.

8. Domestic Problems No money!!!!
Washington and Congress taxed whiskey and “luxury items”
Whiskey farmers hated it and began to rebel

9. Whiskey Rebellion Congress lowered the taxes
The “Whiskey Boys” however began tar and feathering tax collectors
Washington sent ~13,000 troops to put down the rebellion
It worked!!

10. Problems with Native Americans
Washington also faced domestic problems regarding Native Americans in the Northwest Territory.
The British were supplying NAs with weapons and they were attacking settlers.
At the Battle of Fallen Timbers, Washington’s federal troops defeated the Native Americans, opening the region up for settlement.

11. The French Revolution
In 1789, the French people rebelled against the French king
Inspired by the American Revolution, the French people wanted “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”
Americans were split on helping France
The French began executing the king, queen and many other French leaders
Americans were horrified
American leaders were split on whether or not to help– Jefferson (yes); Adams and Hamilton (no)
Washington chose to remain neutral– too soon for another conflict

12. Foreign Treaties
Washington was more likely to sign treaties with other countries rather than involve the U.S. in foreign affairs.
During his presidency, two treaties were signed– Jay’s Treaty and Pinckney’s Treaty.
Jay’s Treaty Great Britain would give up forts on U.S. soil; the U.S. would pay back pre-war debts owed.
Pinckney’s Treaty Spain would be granted a northern border to Florida; the U.S. would have access to the Mississippi River and New Orleans.

13. Washington’s Farewell Address
Did not want to be an indefinite ruler (like a king)
No term limits at this time– G.W. decided on 2 terms
Farwell Address published in many newspapers– never spoken
A series of warnings for the country:
Avoid permanent alliances with other countries– okay to trade!
Remain neutral in the affairs of other nations
Warned that political parties would divide the country

15. A Two-Party System Emerges
Federalists
Democratic-Republicans
1) Key Leaders:
2) Type of Gov:
3) Economy:
4) Country favored
5) Interpretation of Constitution:
- Alexander Hamilton
John Adams
Strong, central government
Based on industry and trade
Great Britain
Loose interpretation= broad interpretation of the Constitution.
 - Thomas Jefferson
James Madison
States’ rights
Based on farming
France
Strict interpretation= Constitution should be read as is, no interpretation.