President George Washington 1789-1797

Precedents set by Washington Served two terms Appointed cabinet with three departments (State, Treasury, War) to advise him Gave a farewell address Made many significant decisions that set the course of foreign and domestic policy

Issues during Washington’s presidency National debt Whiskey Rebellion National Bank French Revolution Relationship with Native Americans Relationship with Great Britain

Should federal government assume states’ debts? Yes: Lenders will need the new nation to succeed in order to be paid back No: Many Southern states already paid off their debts, so it’s unfair Resolution/lasting impact: Yes, federal government assumed debt, and in return the capital was moved South to Washington, D.C. to be responsive to Southern interests. America’s good credit was established

Should the United States charter a national bank? Yes: The elastic clause says federal government can do anything “necessary and proper” (loose constructionism) No: The Constitution doesn’t say the federal government can charter a national bank (strict constructionism) Resolution/lasting impact: National bank created, precedent for loose constructionism

Should the National Government intervene in the Whiskey Rebellion? Yes: Federal government has the right to tax, and it should enforce the law even on the frontier No: Federal government should back down and remove the tax on whiskey because it is a hardship to western farmers Resolution/lasting impact: Washington and Hamilton led militia and defeated rebels with no casualties. Affirmed federal power in domestic affairs

Should the U.S. support the French Revolution? Yes: France is forming a democracy like ours, and they supported us in our revolution. No: The French went too far by beheading their king and declaring war against all monarchies, including G.B. Resolution/Impact: Washington established Treaty of Neutrality and U.S. would not engage in European affairs. Jefferson resigned as Secretary of State.

What relationship will the U.S. have with Native Americans in Ohio? Miami Indians, with encouragement from British army, beat American troops in two major battles Mad Anthony Wayne defeated the Miami decisively at the Battle of Fallen Timbers Miami agreed to give up Ohio in exchange for $20,000 in goods, and annual payments of $10,000. First instance of U.S. giving raw deal to Native Americans

What relationship should U.S. have with England? Enemies: We just gained our independence from them, and they encouraged the Miami to fight us. Friends: They could be a good trading partner, we need their support Resolution/impact: Under Jay’s Treaty, Britain gave up military posts in the NW Territory but still engages in fur trading. America and Britain are allies

Birth of Political Parties Federalists Alexander Hamilton Democratic Republicans Thomas Jefferson

Birth of Political Parties Federalists Democratic Republicans Previously known as Antifederalists Previously known as Federalists Led by Hamilton Led by Jefferson Favor weak central government Favored strong central government Supported new taxes Oppose new taxes For large army and navy Against large army and navy Pro-British Pro-French Pro business Pro agriculture