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George Washington's Impact on American Politics
Sep 3, 2024
George Washington's Presidency
Introduction
George Washington: First President of the United States
Presidency duration: 1789-1797
Key achievements during Washington's terms
The Bill of Rights
First 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution
Result of anti-federalist concerns
Written in 1789, ratified in 1791
Key Amendments:
1st: Freedom of press, religion, speech
2nd: Right to bear arms
3rd: Quartering of troops
4th-8th: Legal rights and processes
9th: Rights not enumerated
10th: Powers not delegated to federal government go to the states
Washington's Cabinet
First presidential cabinet established
Key members:
John Adams (Vice President)
Thomas Jefferson (Secretary of State)
Alexander Hamilton (Secretary of Treasury)
Internal disagreements, especially Jefferson vs. Hamilton
Hamilton's Economic Plan
Establishment of a national bank
Idea of national debt consolidation
Use of tariffs to protect American industry
Implementation of "implied powers"
Opposition by Thomas Jefferson
Disagreed with Hamilton's plan
Promoted agrarian society over industrial
Feared strong central government
Advocated strict interpretation of the Constitution
Formation of Political Parties
Emergence of Federalists and Democratic-Republicans
Washington's stance on political parties
Federalists led by Alexander Hamilton
Supported strong central government, industry
Democratic-Republicans led by Thomas Jefferson
Favored agrarian society, popular politics
The Whiskey Rebellion
Occurred from 1791 to 1794 in Western Pennsylvania
Tax on whiskey imposed by Hamilton
Farmers rebelled against tax collectors
Washington's decisive military response
Demonstrated stronger federal authority under Constitution
Washington's Farewell Address
Set precedent of serving only two terms
Warned against foreign alliances and political partisanship
Influence on isolationist U.S. policy till the late 19th century
Conclusion
Washington's presidency set many important precedents
His policies and actions influenced future governance
Next focus: John Adams' presidency and the election of 1800
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