1. Chapter 9 Lesson 1 Washington’s Presidency
Essential Question:
How did George Washington set up the new government, and what was the purpose of the Federal Judiciary Act of 1789?

2. Ch. 9.1 Vocabulary
1. inaugurated – sworn into office in a formal ceremony
2. Federal Judiciary Act of 1789 – Law passed by Congress giving the Supreme Court its members
3. Cabinet – Group of department heads who serve as the President’s chief advisors
4. tariff – A tax placed on imported goods

3. Ch. 9.1 Focus Questions
1. What was the purpose of President Washington’s cabinet, and who were the members of his cabinet?
2. What was the purpose of the Federal Judiciary Act?
3. Why did Alexander Hamilton’s financial plan include paying back the nation’s war debt?
4. What steps did Hamilton include (in his financial plan) to improve the nation’s finances?

4. Ch 9.1 Focus Questions
5. Describe Hamilton’s beliefs regarding government?
6. Why did many southern states object to helping the country pay off its war debt?
7. Why did Hamilton favor imposing high tariffs on imported goods?
8. How did Jefferson & Madison’s views regarding government differ from Hamilton’s views?

5. Washington Takes Office
Electoral College chose two names for president. Washington received the most votes and was elected president
John Adams, the runner-up became vice president.
Washington was inaugurated (sworn in as president) April 30, 1789 at Federal Hall.

6. Washington’s Cabinet
The Constitution gave Congress the task of creating departments to help the president.
The president had the power to appoint the heads of these departments.
The heads of the departments together became known as the president’s cabinet
Congress created three departments:
Department of War (Secretary of War – Henry Knox)
The State Department (Secretary of State – Thomas Jefferson)
Department of the Treasury (Secretary of the Treasury – Alexander Hamilton)

7. Setting Up the Courts
The Constitution created a Supreme Court, but left it to Congress to decide the number of judges.
Congress passed the Federal Judiciary Act of This act:
Gave the Supreme Court six members
Chose one Chief Justice
Chose five associate justices

8. Economic Problems The new government had war debts totaling
52 million dollars.
Alexander Hamilton believed the country must pay its war debts or no country would ever lend the U.S. money again in the future.
Hamilton supported a strong central government
He encouraged business and industry
He believed the nation’s economic growth depended upon wealthy merchants and manufacturers.

9. Economic Problems
In 1790 Alexander Hamilton presented his plan to Congress:
1. Pay off all war debts
2. Raise government revenues
3. Create a national bank
Because the Southern states had already repaid their war debts, they did not want to help the Northern states pay theirs.
They reached a compromise: support for the plan in exchange for the new nation’s capital located in the South – between Virginia and Maryland along the Potomac River.

10. Economic Problems
Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury also supported a tariff a tax placed on imported goods.
1. Raised money for the government
2. Encouraged people to buy American made products
The highest tariffs were on foreign goods like shoes and textiles (fabrics)

11. Interpreting the Constitution
Thomas Jefferson and James Madison:
Constitution supported less power to the Federal Government
Government only has the powers specifically stated in the Constitution, nothing more.
Supported literal interpretation of the Constitution
Opposed a national bank
Alexander Hamilton disagreed:
- Constitution supported a strong Federal Government
Favored a “flexible” interpretation of the Constitution
National Bank is necessary to carry out the government’s duties

12. Interpreting the Constitution
Both Jefferson and Hamilton argued their positions to President Washington
Alexander Hamilton won, and the Bank of the United States was set up in 1791.
The First Bank of the United States was built in 1791 and was located in Philadelphia PA
It is now a national historic landmark.