Washington's Presidency US History PDF

The New Nation US History Washington’s Presidency Establishing the Federal Government 1788: George Washington elected first President of US Unanimous Sets many precedents (examples that people later in his...

The New Nation US History Washington’s Presidency Establishing the Federal Government 1788: George Washington elected first President of US Unanimous Sets many precedents (examples that people later in history follow)  Establishing the Federal Government The Constitution created the Supreme Court and left it up to Congress to decide the lower courts. Judiciary Act of 1789 – sets up federal court system 13 district courts 3 circuit courts 1 Supreme Court First Chief Justice, John Jay  Establishing the Federal Government Next, President Washington established a cabinet of advisors Department of State: Thomas Jefferson Treasury: Alexander Hamilton War: Henry Knox Attorney General: Edmund Randolph Emergence of Two-Party System During Washington’s Presidency, America’s first two political parties were formed ○ They were the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans  Two Party System Emerges Federalists : Democratic-Republican Alexander Hamilton and s: John Adams Thomas Jefferson and Northern merchants James Madison Seek strong national Southerners and farmers government Value states rights and people’s freedoms  Issue: Government Power Disagreements over the necessary and proper clause ○ Federalists: loose interpretation Broader reading; stronger government ○ Democratic-Republicans: strict interpretation Government can only do what is written; weaker government  Issue: Relations with Europe Initially, Americans supported the French Revolution a. French helped us in our Revolutionary War b. Reminded us of our fight against a tyrannical king However… a division happened during the Reign of Terror, rise of Napoleon, and his wars with the rest of Europe  Federalists Democratic DON’T SUPPORT Republicans France! DO SUPPORT France! Alliance ended when Louis XVI was beheaded. Treaty of 1778 = Alliance Washington DO NOTHING! US should remain neutral (unbiased). 1793 – issued declaration of US neutrality Both parties eventually agreed. Issue: Economics and Debt Hamilton’s Economic Plan: Use the strong national government to pay off the debt (the federal government took over state debts) Use: Bonds – Raises revenue Excise Taxes – Tax on specific goods. These also raise revenue Tariffs – Tax on imported goods. Raises revenue and protects domestic industry Hamilton’s Financial Plan Cont. Establish a national bank Purpose: strengthen the national government, regulate state banks, issue uniform currency, and promote business by extending credit  Issue: Economics and Debt Democratic-Republicans strongly opposed Hamilton’s plan ○ Felt their money was mostly going to the already wealthy northerners ○ Feared a national government with too much power Thought the national bank was unconstitutional  Establishing the Federal Government Financial plan’s whiskey tax hurt Pennsylvania farmers 1794: Farmers attacked tax collectors ○ Known as Whiskey Rebellion How would this have gone under the Articles of Confederation?  Establishing the Federal Government Washington called on 15,000 soldiers to put down the rebellion ○ They did so quickly and easily Result: ○ No casualties ○ Shows that we are a nation of laws that will be followed The federal government can enforce its laws now! Washington’s Farewell Address Washington was president for two terms (8 years) He decided not to run for a third, setting another precedent Today, you are going to take a look at Washington’s Farewell Address. Go to Canvas and open the “Analyzing Washington’s Farewell Address” Assignment. Read the primary source and answer the 5 questions.