1. Chapter 10.1 Lying The Foundations of Government George Washington looked forward to retiring from public life after the signing of the Constitution. However, duty would call him into service one last time.

2. Why did George Washington want to retire? In 1789 George Washington was 57 yrs old. Most men lived to 60 Had a farm to run at Mt. Vernon, Virginia Had a family to raise Two children had recently died oLeft 2 grandchildren for George and Martha to raise

3. Mount Vernon, Virginia

4. Mt. Vernon, Virginia….8,000 acres

5. Mt. Vernon, Virginia Where George ate dinner

6. However, after the signing of the U.S. Constitution…we needed a POTUS It was determined that only 4 men were up for the job: George Washington Most well liked man in America John Adams Liked in Massachusetts Not well known elsewhere Thomas Jefferson Did not want to be 1 st POTUS Benjamin Franklin Felt he was too old and fat.

7. January 1789 Each state sent a delegate to New York to pick the first POTUS. This group becomes known as the electoral college Group of people that still pick the POTUS today. April 6, 1789 George Washington was picked as 1 st POTUS John Adams becomes Vice President

8. Why did Washington accept the presidency? He felt it was his duty to continue to serve his country until it was no longer necessary… So, he becomes the leader of a country with 4,000,000 citizens. So where do we begin?

9. Our County’s 1 st Capital New York City, NY Population: 33,000

10. Go see it today

11. Our 1 st President, the Honorable George Washington Since George Washington is the 1 st POTUS, Whatever he does, so will every POTUS after him. Called a precedent An action or a decision that serves as an example for later generations. 1 st precedent? Taking the Oath of Office oPOTUS swears to do his best… “So help me God”

12. Washington Takes the Oath of Office http://www.mrbach.net/documents/multimedia_2.html

13. Washington’s 1 st Duty… Make a Dream Team to help run the Country Appoint people to help him make decisions Called the Presidential Cabinet Each person is titled a Secretary. Secretary of State oThomas Jefferson Secretary of the Treasury oAlexander Hamilton Secretary of War oHenry Knox

14. Next, set up the Court System Why? Our new country needs a law system that works from day 1! Pres. Washington gets Congress to pass the Judiciary Act of 1789 Sets up court system in America: Supreme Court is highest court in land Courts of Appeals District Courts Local Courts is lowest Next, President Washington is going to try to fix the financial crisis in America…..let the fun begin.

15. Review Questions Where did George Washington call home? What was the first capital of the United States? What is the Presidential Cabinet? What group selected the first POTUS? What is the Judiciary Act of 1789?