Washington & Adams The New Republic

President Washington Unanimous electoral vote Took office April 30,1789 in NY John Adams elected as VP 10 states voted (RI & NC had not ratified the Const. yet & NY didn’t have electors selected in time) He felt burdened with the job - bore the weight of expectation “I face an ocean of difficulties, without the competency of political skill, abilities, and inclinations which is necessary to manage the helm.” - Washington

The Departments & Leadership Department of State –Sec. of State - T. Jefferson Department of Treasury –Sec. of Treasury - A. Hamilton War Department –Sec. of War - Henry Knox Attorney General Edmund Randolph Secretaries of these departments were the origin of the presidential cabinet Cabinet an advisory body - not mentioned in the Constitution –Const. did provide for heads of departments

Office of the Vice President Washington minimized role of VP Adams played little role in the running of the govt. Adams referred to his position as “the most insignificant office” ever created

The Courts Congress created effective courts under the Judiciary Act of 1789 JA organized the Supreme Court with a chief justice & 5 associates Established federal district & circuit courts Created office of Attorney General

National Revenue Problems Needed revenue Tariffs raise money and protect domestic industry Tariffs main source of revenue until federal income tax in 20 th Century

Hamilton’s Financial Program Payment of the Foreign Debt Payment of Domestic Debt Create National Bank Taxes (eg. Whiskey Tax)

Bank of the U.S. Jefferson opposed the bank on constitutional grounds “Strict” Hamilton – Necessary & Proper – “Loose” Becomes law with GW’s signature Beginning of sectional issue N-S

Taxes Congress approved the proposal of an excise tax on whiskey –An internal tax on production & consumption Falls hardest on Western PA farmers - distilled grain easier & cheaper to ship - brought in better $ Leads to a rebellion by PA farmers

Whiskey Rebellion Tax viewed as undue burden & would benefit the wealthy Farmers refused to pay & threatened collectors 8/7/ GW ordered the “rebels” to disperse & later ordered troops to PA Put down by FEDERAL troops Leaders pardoned ---why?