III. Washington’s Presidency
A. Choosing the President
1. Picking the President
– 11 states send electors to vote
– April 6, 1789: Congress declares George
Washington President
2. Washington’s Feeling on Presidency
– Was reluctant to become president
– Did not want to be dragged into political fights
– Took job b/c he thought it was his duty
3. What to call him
– Some said “His
Excellency”
– Others thought that
sounded to much like
a king
– No kings in a
Democracy
– Chose the simple title
of “Mr. President”
B. Setting Precedents
1. Washington’s Cabinet
– Organize Executive branch
– Congress creates executive
departments (later called “the
cabinet”)
– Each specializes in a specific area
•
•
Secretary of Treasury: Hamilton
Secretary of State: Jefferson
2. Establishing Federal Courts
– Constitution did not specify
the # or locations of courts
– Sept 1789: Judiciary Act
Passed
– Creates a federal court system
w/ 3 levels
•
Supreme Court, Court of
Appeals, District Courts
– John Jay = 1st Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court
C. Whiskey Rebellion
1. Tax on Whiskey
– March 1791: Congress
passes tax
– To help pay debt
2. Protests
– “Whiskey Boys” upset
about tax
– Tar and Feather tax
collectors
– Declare a Rebellion against
the Govt
3. Government Response
– Seen as threat to
National Govt
– Nov. 1794: Washington
leads 10,000 soldiers to
Western Pennsylvania
– Rebels fled to the
country side
– Rebellion ends w/o a
battle
D. Washington’s Farewell
1. Only 2 terms
– Did not run for 3rd term
– Showed he was no King and the people had the
power
2. Farewell Address
a) Warns about Dangers to the Nation
•
•
•
Debt
Dangerous Foreign Alliances
Political Divisions at home
b) Advice
•
•
•
Government should not borrow money
US should avoid permanent alliances
No political parties b/c disputes between political
groups weakens administration