The New Republic Chapter 9: Launching the New Government

How should we address the President? Suggestions by Congress – President Washington – His Effective Highness – His Highness the President of the United States and Protector of the Rights of the Same

What does George say? You can call me “President of the United States.” Do you know this took 3 weeks for Congress to decide?

George Washington sets an example. As the 1 st President, Washington knew that he was setting an example, or precedent, for others to follow. 2 ways Washington set precedents: – Washington only served 2 four-year terms in office as president. – He created a “Cabinet,” or group of advisors.

The Cabinet The President needed people to help him carry out his duties. In 1789, five executive departments were created. The First Cabinet Secretary of State- Thomas Jefferson Secretary of the Treasury- Alexander Hamilton Secretary of War- Henry Knox Attorney General- Edmund Randolph Postmaster General- Samuel Osgood

Go to to find out more about President George W. Bush’s Cabinet.

Judiciary Act of 1789 Called for the Supreme Court to have one Chief Justice and five Associate Justices. Lower courts were called the district courts and circuit courts where decisions could be appealed to the Supreme Court.

Fun Facts John Adams was the first president to live in the White House. He and his wife, Abigail, moved into the White House in November Alexander Hamilton was killed in a duel in Weehawken, NJ by Aaron Burr, one of Thomas Jefferson’s vice presidents.

Did you know? The White House was the biggest house in the U.S. until the Civil War. The two term precedent set by George Washington wasn’t broken until the 1930s and 1940s by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He was elected for an unprecedented four terms.