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