George Washington: The First President

Launching The Nation On April 14, 1789 at Mt. Vernon, George Washington was handed a letter informing him he had been chosen unanimously as the first president of the United States.

Washington was concerned that his age and lack of experience would make him a poor president

Many Americans admired Washington. They believed that his strong character, honesty, and patriotism would make him an excellent leader. They felt he would be a model for all citizens.

It took two weeks for Washington To make the journey from Mt. Vernon to New York city. New York city was to be the capital until a new one Could be built.

The Cabinet Washington was now head of the executive branch, but he knew he could not make all of the decisions on his own, so he appointed advisers.

These advisers made up the cabinet. Washington picked the very best and brightest to fill these positions-Thomas Jefferson was chosen secretary of state because he knew a lot about foreign nations. Alexander Hamilton was chosen secretary of the treasury because he knew a lot about finances.

Judiciary Act The judicial branch needed some organizing since the constitution did not specify the number or location of federal courts.

In September 1789, Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1789 which created our federal court system. John Jay was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

TITLE Some senators thought that the House of Representatives’ proposal that Washington be called simply “Mr. President” was ridiculous.

They suggested such titles as: “His Elective Highness” or “His Highness the President of the United States and Protector of the Rights of the Same.”

Washington, however, began the precedent of a president being called simply “Mr. President” or “President Washington.”

Two Terms Washington easily won 2 terms as President. He refused to run for a 3 rd term, setting a precedent that would last until 1940.

Washington’s Farewell Address Washington’s Farewell Address set an important precedent for international relationships. Washington warned the US to stay out of treaties with European countries that might pull the US into war. He also said that political parties were dangerous and should be avoided.

BONDS

Bonds are pieces of paper exchanged for cash. The piece of paper can be redeemed, after a set amount of time, for the amount plus interest.

They are issued by the government to pay for things (schools, wars, etc). During the American Revolution, both federal and state governments used bonds to raise money to pay soldiers and buy supplies.

Most municipal bonds are not actually paid back to the people. Municipal bonds such as school and military. How can people voice their opinion on these bonds?

Hamilton’s Plan To pay back the bonds:

Hamilton wanted the national government to pay off state and national bonds He wanted to redeem the bonds and pay the interest to those holding the bonds, then he wanted to sell more bonds

Madison’s objections To Hamilton’s plan:

NOT FAIR Southern states had already paid most of their bonds off, so they would not benefit as much from the national government paying off state bonds

Most of the original bond- owners had sold their bonds to speculators Madison did not think it was right to pay the speculators the money when they were not the ones originally willing to invest in the country.

Compromise Solution The debate over paying off state debts was dividing northern and southern states.

Hamilton proposed a compromise to make southern states happier. Hamilton suggested that southern states allow the national government to pay off state debts IF the new capital city were located in the southern part of the country.

Southern states agreed and the capital city was planned to be in the southern part of the country, near Virginia and Maryland. It would be named Washington, District of Columbia.