Lecture Notes: Early U.S. Government and George Washington's Presidency

The Constitution and Early Government

• By 1788, the U.S. had a working Constitution.
• The effectiveness of the new Republican government was untested.
• George Washington was chosen as the first president to unify the nation.

George Washington's Presidency

• Significance: First president, setting precedents for future leaders.
• Presidential Address: Chose the title "Mr. President."

Presidential Cabinet

• Definition: A group of advisors and heads of executive departments.
• Purpose: Helps the president develop and execute government policies.
• Original Members:
  • Thomas Jefferson (Secretary of State)
  • Henry Knox (Secretary of War)
  • Alexander Hamilton (Secretary of the Treasury)
• Constitutional Aspect:
  • Congress can create executive departments.
  • Example of the "unwritten Constitution" (traditional, non-codified practices).

Precedents Set by Washington

• Federal Law Enforcement:
  • Example: Whiskey Rebellion (1794), a challenge to federal law.
  • Washington led troops to enforce the law, emphasizing federal authority.
• Term Limit:
  • Voluntarily limited presidency to two terms.
  • Set a standard followed until 1951's 22nd Amendment.

Washington's Farewell Address

• Foreign Policy Advice:
  • Recommended neutrality in foreign conflicts, particularly between Britain and France.
• Political Parties Warning:
  • Warned against the divisive nature of political parties.
  • Observed the rise of political factions during his presidency.

Upcoming Topics

• Next lecture will focus on the development of early political parties in the U.S.

• Conclusion: The lecture provided insights into the early government structure and Washington's influence on the evolving nation.