George Washington and His Cabinet

George Washington

• First president under the new government, implementing foundational policies.
• Established key executive departments: State, War, and Treasury.
• Created a judicial system and appointed a Cabinet.
• Moved the capital to Washington, D.C., enhancing its political significance.

Judicial Act of 1789

• Established a federal court system with the ability to appeal state court decisions on constitutional issues.

Executive Departments

• Department of State: Responsible for foreign affairs.
• Department of War: Managed military matters.
• Department of Treasury: Handled finances and economic policies.

The Cabinet

• Comprised of chief advisors to the president, playing crucial roles in governance.

Key Figures

• Thomas Jefferson: Secretary of State advocating strong state governments and opposing the national bank.
• Henry Knox: Secretary of War under Washington.
• Alexander Hamilton: Secretary of Treasury, favored strong central government and established the Bank of the United States.
• James Madison: Opposed the national bank, fearing government ties to wealthy interests.

Bank of the United States

• Established by Hamilton to handle government funds and issued paper money.

Economic Concepts

• Agrarian: Relating to agriculture; favored by Jefferson.
• Laissez-faire: Economic policy advocating minimal government intervention.
• Protective Tariff: Tax on imported goods to increase federal revenue.
• Excise Tax: Sales tax on domestic goods, notably the whiskey tax leading to the Whiskey Rebellion.

Political Landscape

• Rise of Federalists and Democratic-Republicans highlighting differing views on government power.
• Federalists favored a strong central government; Democratic-Republicans preferred stronger state governance.
• The emergence of a two-party system, impacting elections and policy.

Foreign Policy

• Neutrality: Washington's foreign policy of avoiding alliances.
• Edmond Genet: French diplomat challenging U.S. neutrality.
• Pinckney's Treaty: Treaty with Spain that opened the Mississippi River for American use and expansion.
• Jay Treaty: Agreement with Britain to withdraw from Northwest Territory forts.

Conflicts and Reactions

• Whiskey Rebellion: Farmers’ revolt against the excise tax, showcasing tensions in federal authority.
• XYZ Affair: Incident where French officials demanded bribes, heightening tensions with France.
• Alien and Sedition Acts: Laws limiting immigration and punishing criticism of the government, leading to political backlash.

Jeffersonian Era

• Jefferson Presidency: Advocated for reduced federal government power, cut military spending, and reversed Hamilton’s economic policies.
• 12th Amendment: Revised electoral process to prevent ties in electoral votes.

Judicial Developments

• Marbury v. Madison: Landmark case establishing judicial review; the Supreme Court's ability to declare laws unconstitutional.
• Judiciary Act of 1801: Expanded the number of justices on the Supreme Court.

Expansion

• Louisiana Purchase: Significant land acquisition from France that doubled the size of the U.S.; facilitated Westward expansion.
• Lewis and Clark Expedition: Commissioned to explore and map the new territory, with Native guide Sacajawea aiding the journey.

War of 1812

• Conflict with Great Britain driven by issues such as impressments and trade restrictions.
• Andrew Jackson: Notable military leader during the war, particularly known for victories at the Battle of New Orleans.
• Treaty of Ghent: Ended the War of 1812, returning U.S.-British relations to pre-war status.

Nationalism

• War of 1812 fostered a sense of national pride symbolized by "Uncle Sam."