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