1. The First President
7-1

2. Objectives What actions were taken to launch the new government.
How Hamilton proposed to strengthen the economy.

3. President Washington
George Washington, from Virginia, was unanimously chosen as the first president. The people trusted him because of his leadership during the Revolutionary War.

4. John Adams
John Adams from Massachusetts became the first vice president. This made the top two Executive Branch positions equally divided between the north and south.

5. “Mr. President”
What would the President be called? Washington agreed that there should be no reference to royalty. So he wanted to be simply called, “Mr. President”.

6. Precedent
Being first to do something that sets an example for others to follow.
Write an example.

7. First Congress
Beginning March 4, 1789, the first Congress of the United States met to start the process of forming the government under the Constitution. They would have to set up the governmental departments, and confirm the department heads.

8. Secretary of the Treasury
Department Heads
Secretary of State
Secretary of the Treasury

9. Department Heads
Secretary of War
Attorney General

10. Judiciary Act 1789
Congress established the Federal Court System with this law. They created the lower or “inferior” courts.

11. First Federal Courts
The Judiciary Act created 13 Districts and three Circuit Courts of Appeals. John Jay was chosen as the first Chief Justice.

12. Bill of Rights
Americans wanted their individual freedoms to be guaranteed. Congress adopted 10 Amendments and they were ratified in December of 1791.

13. Financial Problems
Running a country costs money. Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, was tasked with dealing with the financial issues facing the nation. Most importantly, tackling the national debt.

14. Hamilton’s Plan
Hamilton believed all the debts accrued by the Articles of Confederation needed to be paid by the current government.

15. Opposition to Hamilton’s Plan
The opposition to Hamilton’s plan came from states, primarily in the South, who had paid off their debts from the Revolutionary War.

16. Compromise
Southern states agreed to “assume the nation’s debts” when a compromise was reached over the location of the National Capitol. It would be located in the South located on the Potomac River between Virginia and Maryland.

17. Building the Economy
To help build the economy Hamilton believed a national bank needed to be created. It would be a partnership between the government and private investors.

18. Bank of the United States
Thomas Jefferson and James Madison believed the bank was unconstitutional. Washington supported Hamilton and Congress chartered the bank.

19. Tariffs and Taxes
Hamilton believed that the economy should be centered around manufacturing rather than agriculture. So a protective tariff was passed.

20. Taxes
Hamilton believed national taxes should be part of the government. This plan was opposed by prominent politicians such as James Madison and Thomas Jefferson.