GEORGE WASHINGTON’S PRESIDENCY

Topic/Objective: Precedents & tensions of Washington’s presidency Essential Question: What precedents and challenges occurred during Washington’s presidency?

* GEORGE WASHINGTON 1) Elected in ) As 1 st president, GW knew that every action he made would set a precedent 3) Def'n of precedent: An example that becomes standard practice

* GEORGE WASHINGTON 4) Under GW, many political institutions & traditions were established:  Precedent #1: "Mr. President" became the title used to address the leader  Precedent #2: GW began the practice of calling his cabinet (heads of executive depts) to advise him on official matters  Precedent #3: GW set the idea that TWO terms in office of Pres should be the limit to avoid tyranny of rule by ONE powerful leader

* ALEXANDER HAMILTON 1) Aide to GW in the Revolutionary War 2) Attended the Constitutional Convention 3) Signer of the US Constitution 4) Federalist  One of the authors of “The Federalists Papers”  Strong supporter for ratification of the Constitution

* ALEXANDER HAMILTON 5) Appointed Secretary of the Treasury by President George Washington

* HAMILTON’S FINANCIAL PLAN 1) Hamilton believed in a strong national gov’t that would encourage the growth of business to build the US economy. 2) During the Revolutionary War, the US borrowed millions of dollars from France, Spain, & the Netherlands. 3) The national debt was more than $52 million!

* HAMILTON’S FINANCIAL PLAN 4) In 1790, Hamilton presented his financial plan to Congress. 5) Hamilton’s Financial Plan consisted of 3 parts:  Paying off all war debts  Raising government revenues  Creating a national bank

* HAMILTON’S FINANCIAL PLAN 6) Biggest opponent to Hamilton’s plan was Thomas Jefferson; TJ argued that the Constitution did not mention a nat’l bank so the gov’t could NOT create one. 7) Washington tried to avoid the conflict between Hamilton & TJ; GW backed Hamilton’s idea for a nat’l bank. 8) This feud between Hamilton & TJ became the basis of the creation of political parties

* END OF WASHINGTON'S PRESIDENCY 1) Although asked to run for a 3 rd term, GW declined. 2) GW’s Farewell Speech expressed some major concerns:  Warning #1 RE Foreign Policy: Urged the US to remain neutral in relations w/other countries & steer clear of foreign affairs. GW's advise led to the policy of "isolationism" which the US followed up to WWI.  Warning #2 RE Political Parties: GW thought the creation of political parties would deeply divide how the US should be run. Despite GW's warning, TWO political parties emerged in the next election

* FORMATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES 1) Def’n of political party: group of people that tries to promote its ideas and influence government 2) Two opposing political parties with different ideas on gov’t emerged: the Federalists & the Democratic- Republicans

3) Federalists Political Party  Led by Alexander Hamilton & John Adams  Major Beliefs: A. Strong national gov’t B. Loose interpretation of the Constitution C. Favored national bank D. Economy based on manufacturing & trade * FORMATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES

4) Democratic-Republicans Political Party  Led by Thomas Jefferson & James Madison  Major Beliefs: A. Limited national gov’t B. Strict interpretation of the Constitution C. Opposed national bank D. Economy based on agriculture * FORMATION OF POLITICAL PARTIES