1. Chapter 7: Launching the Nation
Section 1: Washington Leads a New Nation

2. The First President
Americans believed strongly in George Washington and wanted him to be the new nation’s first leader
Honest leader
Revolutionary War Hero
Washington wanted to retire to his farm in Virginia
Hesitant to become a candidate, his friends pressed him to run for the presidency

3. The First President January 1789
The eleven states that had ratified the Constitution sent electors to choose the first President
Electoral College body of electors who represent the people’s vote in choosing the president
George Washington was selected unanimously
John Adams became Vice President

4. The First President
First lady, Martha Washington, entertained guests and attended social events with her husband
Some women of the time believed that women ought to play a greater role in the New Nation
Abigail Adams and others believed in Republican Motherhood
Women played an important role in raising children to be good citizens
While some believed that women should not participate in politics or business, others hoped it would open opportunities for women

5. Organizing the Government
New government had to develop policies and procedures to set future precedent
Action or decision that later serves as an example
First Congress created departments within the executive branch for different areas of national policy
Washington met with department heads who advised him
This is common practice today
Alexander Hamilton chosen as Secretary of Treasury
Thomas Jefferson chosen as Secretary of State
Henry Knox chosen as Secretary of War
Samuel Osgood chosen as Postmaster General

6. Organizing the Government
Judiciary Act of 1789
Set up federal court system
Created 3 levels of federal courts and defined their powers and relationship to the state courts
Established district courts and circuit courts of appeals
President nominates candidates for federal judgeships
Candidates must be approved/rejected by the Senate

7. Americans’ Expectations for the Nation
Americans had high expectations for the new nation
Improved trade, free from too many restrictions
Government protection and economic stability
Idea of belonging to one united nation was a new one
1790: American population about 4 million
Mostly rural
Wanted fair tax laws and right to settle western lands
Did not want government interference in daily lives
Urban areas
Craftspeople, laborers, merchants
Wanted government to promote business
Simpler trade laws
Protection from foreign competition

8. Americans’ Expectations for the Nation
Most cities were small
Only New York and Philadelphia had populations over 25,000
New York was the first capital of the United States
Bustling economy
Active international trade and business
1792
Group of stockbrokers signed an agreement under a buttonwood tree on Wall Street
Agreement was the foundation for what later became the New York Stock Exchange