Washington Leads a New Nation

Main Ideas In 1789 George Washington became the first president of the United States. Congress and the president organized the executive and judicial branches of government. Americans had high expectations of their new government.

The First President An honest man and a Revolutionary War hero. – many wanted him to be president

The First President Electors from the 11 states that had passed the Constitution met in January 1789 to vote. electoral college: a body of electors who represent the people’s vote in choosing the president. Washington President John Adams Vice President.

The First President First Lady Martha Washington entertained at social events

Women in the New Nation Some believed that women should play a greater role in the new nation than Martha Washington did. Others believed that women played an important role just by teaching their children to be good citizens. Most women in the early republic managed their households and worked hard inside or outside the home to support their families. Some hoped that more women would receive an education, because few families provided much education for their daughters.

Organizing the Government The new federal government had to create polices and procedures that would determine the future of the country. President Washington – “The first of everything in our situation will serve to establish a precedent” A Precedent is an action or decision that will later serve as example of what to do.

Organizing the Government Executive Branch The First Congress created the executive departments Washington’s cabinet served as his advisers Alexander Hamilton – Secretary of the Treasure Thomas Jefferson - Secretary of State

Organizing the Government Judicial Branch Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1789 set up the federal court system Three levels of federal courts & defined powers Set up federal district courts and circuit courts of appeal President nominated federal judges.

America’s Expectations for the Nation U.S. Population in million Most were farmers Wanted fair tax laws The right to settle western lands Merchants, laborers, and craftspeople Wanted help with their businesses The First Capital New York City Trade center and economic hub Population 33,000 and growing Rural 95%

Hamilton and National Finances

Who is Mr. Hamilton? A very smart man with a head for economics (money) A founding father of our nation Served as Washington’s aide. The first Secretary of the Treasury.

Your Thoughts What issues do you think were facing our leaders at this time? What did they have to do that had never been done before? 2 minutes – in you notes write down two issues facing our leaders.

State of the Union -Financially National debt Money owed by the national government due to the Revolutionary War. Approximately $64 million (owed to foreign governments and the states). States’ debt $25 million due to Revolutionary War expenses.

What is Debt, and What did Hamilton want to do with it? An obligation or liability to pay or render something (money) to someone else. Hamilton’s plan – Part 1 – pay off all debt Repay all of the foreign debt immediately Repay the total value of all outstanding bonds gradually – This was a problem! Repay $21.5 million of the $25 million of the states’ debt. Hamilton felt that having the federal government pay off the states’ debt would help the states have more money available to develop commerce in the state – Another problem!!

Solution to Part 1 of Hamilton’s Plan A Compromise Hamilton’s bargain: To get Jefferson and Madison to agree to help get Southern state support for Hamilton’s debt plan, Hamilton agreed to convince the northern members of Congress to move the national capital out of New York. IT WORKED – A NEW NATIONAL CAPITAL

A New Capital Washington D.C.

Where are we now – 2015? dstates dstates What was Hamilton’s plan for the U.S. debt?

Hamilton and Jefferson Part 2 Hamilton’s Views Believed in a strong central government Wanted a balance of power between the “mass of people” and wealthier citizens Wanted to promote manufacturing and business Wanted higher tariffs on foreign goods to protect American manufacturers Jefferson’s Views Wanted to protect the states’ power Believed in the right of “the people” to rule the country Supported agriculture and farmers Wanted lower tariffs to keep costs low for goods farmers bought

Hamilton,Jefferson and A National Bank – Part 3 Hamilton favored a national bank The government could safely deposit its money Loans could be made to the government and businesses. He also favored a national mint – so the government could coin its own money. Jefferson felt that a national bank would give too much power to the central government. He believed that the Constitution did not allow for the creation of a national bank.

Hamilton,Jefferson and A National Bank New government in action - Debate over the interpretation of the Constitution and the “Elastic Clause” Hamilton and Loose Construction Believed the federal government could take reasonable actions the Constitution did not specifically forbid – “Necessary and Proper” Jefferson and Strict Construction Believed the federal government should only do what the Constitution specifically says it can do.

Hamilton and Jefferson w w

Your Thoughts How does what Hamilton says differ from what we discussed yesterday about paying off all debt? Control of the debt? Controlling what we owe and to whom?? What precedent does Washington set by excluding Adams from the cabinet meeting? Is it still the same today?

Hamilton Prevails The President and Congress agree with Hamilton and the Bank of the United States is established