A New Nation Mrs. Ingram

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

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

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

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!

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. They did not want to be taxed to pay off the other states’ debts. So, a compromise was needed… 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.

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

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

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!!

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.

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” The French citizens 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

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.

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

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.