1. President George Washington

2. Precedents set by Washington
Served two terms
Appointed cabinet with three departments (State, Treasury, War) to advise him
Gave a farewell address
Made many significant decisions that set the course of foreign and domestic policy

3. Issues during Washington’s presidency
National debt
Whiskey Rebellion
National Bank
French Revolution
Relationship with Native Americans
Relationship with Great Britain

4. Should federal government assume states’ debts?
Yes: Lenders will need the new nation to succeed in order to be paid back
No: Many Southern states already paid off their debts, so it’s unfair
Resolution/lasting impact: Yes, federal government assumed debt, and in return the capital was moved South to Washington, D.C. to be responsive to Southern interests. America’s good credit was established

5. Should the United States charter a national bank?
Yes: The elastic clause says federal government can do anything “necessary and proper” (loose constructionism)
No: The Constitution doesn’t say the federal government can charter a national bank (strict constructionism)
Resolution/lasting impact: National bank created, precedent for loose constructionism

6. Should the National Government intervene in the Whiskey Rebellion?
Yes: Federal government has the right to tax, and it should enforce the law even on the frontier
No: Federal government should back down and remove the tax on whiskey because it is a hardship to western farmers
Resolution/lasting impact: Washington and Hamilton led militia and defeated rebels with no casualties. Affirmed federal power in domestic affairs

7. Should the U.S. support the French Revolution?
Yes: France is forming a democracy like ours, and they supported us in our revolution.
No: The French went too far by beheading their king and declaring war against all monarchies, including G.B.
Resolution/Impact: Washington established Treaty of Neutrality and U.S. would not engage in European affairs. Jefferson resigned as Secretary of State.

8. What relationship will the U.S. have with Native Americans in Ohio?
Miami Indians, with encouragement from British army, beat American troops in two major battles
Mad Anthony Wayne defeated the Miami decisively at the Battle of Fallen Timbers
Miami agreed to give up Ohio in exchange for $20,000 in goods, and annual payments of $10,000. First instance of U.S. giving raw deal to Native Americans

9. What relationship should U.S. have with England?
Enemies: We just gained our independence from them, and they encouraged the Miami to fight us.
Friends: They could be a good trading partner, we need their support
Resolution/impact: Under Jay’s Treaty, Britain gave up military posts in the NW Territory but still engages in fur trading. America and Britain are allies

10. Birth of Political Parties
Federalists
Alexander Hamilton
Democratic Republicans
Thomas Jefferson

11. Birth of Political Parties
Federalists
Democratic Republicans
Previously known as Antifederalists
Previously known as Federalists
Led by Hamilton
Led by Jefferson
Favor weak central government
Favored strong central government
Supported new taxes
Oppose new taxes
For large army and navy
Against large army and navy
Pro-British
Pro-French
Pro business
Pro agriculture