Precedents Established by George Washington Putting the new system of government into play!

Who was George Washington and how did he get elected? Washington was the hero and leader of the American Revolution. Electoral College unanimously selected Washington Martha Washington’s role as first lady was to entertain guests, and attend social events. She also promoted Republican Motherhood!

What is the Electoral College? A body of electors who represent the people’s vote in choosing the president. When we vote for the position of president we are actually voting for electors who will vote for the president Created as an additional “check and balance” 1.Equal weight to the presidential election based on state populations 2.Make sure the common man votes how they should because they are uneducated

Each state gets one vote and who that vote should go to depends on the electors chosen –Electors traditionally vote for the candidate chosen by the popular election of their state Usually the candidate with the who wins the popular election will win the presidential election, but not always

Washington’s Executive Branch Page 235 Vice President = John Adams (had the 2 nd most electoral votes for president) Secretary of State = Thomas Jefferson Secretary of Treasury = Alexander Hamilton Secretary of War = Henry Knox Postmaster General = Samuel Osgood Chief Justice of Supreme Court = John Jay

What government precedents did Washington set? He was the first to develop policies and procedures under the Constitution. Created executive departments that would be called the cabinet. Set up a federal court system including the following: –Judiciary Act of 1789 –Federal district courts and circuit courts of appeals –Nominated federal judges

What changes did Americans want to see from its new government? Americans expectations were high –Improved trade –Trade free from restrictions –Protect and keep the economy stable –Fair tax laws –Right to settle western lands –Government to stay out of their daily lives –Help businesses succeed –Simple trade laws –Protection from foreign competition

What did Washington emphasize in his Farewell Address? A president should only run for two terms. There was a danger in the United States becoming to closely connected with foreign countries. Political conflicts with in the country needed to be worked out in-order to protect the independence There should be no national debt!