GEORGE WASHINGTON’S PRESIDENCY

Topic/Objective: Precedents & tensions of Washington’s presidency

Essential Question: What precedents and challenges

occurred during Washington’s presidency?

* GEORGE WASHINGTON

1) Elected in 17892) As 1st president, GW knew that every action he made would set a precedent3) Def'n of precedent: An example that becomes standard practice

* GEORGE WASHINGTON4) Under GW, many political institutions & traditions were established:

Precedent #1: "Mr. President" became the title used to address the leader

Precedent #2: GW began the practice of calling his cabinet (heads of executive depts) to advise him on official matters

Precedent #3: GW set the idea that TWO terms in office of Pres should be the limit to avoid tyranny of rule by ONE powerful leader

* ALEXANDER HAMILTON1) Aide to GW in the Revolutionary War2) Attended the Constitutional Convention3) Signer of the US Constitution4) Federalist

One of the authors of “The Federalists Papers” Strong supporter for ratification of the

Constitution

* ALEXANDER HAMILTON5) Appointed Secretary of the Treasury by President George Washington

* HAMILTON’S FINANCIAL PLAN

1) Hamilton believed in a strong national gov’t that would encourage the growth of business to build the US economy.2) During the Revolutionary War, the US borrowed millions of dollars from France, Spain, & the Netherlands.3) The national debt was more than $52 million!

* HAMILTON’S FINANCIAL PLAN4) In 1790, Hamilton presented his financial plan to Congress.

5) Hamilton’s Financial Plan consisted of 3 parts: Paying off all war debts Raising government revenues Creating a national bank

* HAMILTON’S FINANCIAL PLAN

6) Biggest opponent to Hamilton’s plan was Thomas Jefferson; TJ argued that the Constitution did not mention a nat’l bank so the gov’t could NOT create one.

7) Washington tried to avoid the conflict between Hamilton & TJ; GW backed Hamilton’s idea for a nat’l bank.

8) This feud between Hamilton & TJ became the basis of the creation of political parties

* END OF WASHINGTON'S PRESIDENCY1) Although asked to run for a 3rd term, GW declined. 2) GW’s Farewell Speech expressed some major concerns:

Warning #1 RE Foreign Policy:

Urged the US to remain neutral in relations w/other countries & steer clear of foreign affairs. GW's advise led to the policy of "isolationism" which the US followed up to WWI. Warning #2 RE Political Parties:

GW thought the creation of political parties would deeply divide how the US should be run. Despite GW's warning, TWO political parties emerged in the next election

* FORMATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES

1) Def’n of political party: group of people that tries to promote its ideas and influence government

2) Two opposing political parties with different ideas on gov’t emerged: the Federalists & the Democratic-Republicans

3) Federalists Political Party Led by Alexander Hamilton & John Adams Major Beliefs:

A. Strong national gov’tB. Loose interpretation of the

ConstitutionC. Favored national bankD. Economy based on manufacturing &

trade

* FORMATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES

4) Democratic-Republicans Political Party Led by Thomas Jefferson & James

Madison Major Beliefs:

A. Limited national gov’tB. Strict interpretation of the

ConstitutionC. Opposed national bankD. Economy based on agriculture

* FORMATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES