You are George Washington.
During your life, you served in the British army,
surveyed western territories, lead the Continental
Army during the War of Independence, and presided
over the Philadelphia Convention which produced the
United States Constitution.
Privately, you are one of America’s largest land
owners and you are one of the richest men in
America. Your plantation is highly productive and
serves as the lifeblood of your community. Because of
your character and accomplishments, you are highly
respected by everyone, including those who disagree
with you.
Recently, the Philadelphia Convention
unanimously elected you to serve as the president of
the United States. You are the first president, so every
decision you make will set a precedence for all the
presidents who serve after you.
The following problems have arisen in the new
republic. Carefully consider your options and make a
wise decision, which should not be difficult for you…
after all, you’re George Washington!
Define the authority of the federal
government…
You were elected president due to your ability
to lead well, but the governing as president will
be a huge task. You must operate the
government smoothly and carry out the laws
made by Congress.
Things to consider:
 You have many friends who are incredibly
talented including Alexander Hamilton,
Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.
 The Constitution gives you the power to
appoint officials to assist you in administering
the government.
 Trusting any one person to give you advice
would be foolish. You need a group of trusted
advisors.
What will you do?
Defining the Authority of the Federal
Government…
Article III, section 1 of the Constitution prescribed that
the "judicial power of the United States, shall be vested
in one supreme Court," and such inferior courts as
Congress saw fit to establish. It made no provision,
though, for the composition or procedures of any of
the courts, leaving this to Congress to decide.
Things to consider:
 The existence of a separate federal judiciary, or
supreme court, had been controversial during the
debates over the ratification of the Constitution.
 Anti-Federalists think that the power of the judicial
branch is a potential instrument of national tyranny
against citizens.
 Five of the ten amendments in the Bill of Rights, deal
with judicial proceedings.
 There are no courts that can judge disputes between
states, between other nations and the United States,
or interpret the Constitution when necessary.
What will you do?
Foreign relations…
The French Revolution began in 1789 when the
French people ousted King Louis XVI and Queen
Marie Antoinette. They abolished the monarchy
and set up a republic. Violence ensued… the King
and Queen were publicly executed by guillotine,
and thousands of lives have been lost in riots and
mayhem. Now England and France are at war.
Things to Consider:
 The United States received financial and military
support from France; which made the
Revolution a success.
 Many American feel indebted to France for their
help during the Revolution.
 The new United States army is weak and small
compared to the English army and navy.
 Britain and France went to war in 1754 over
colonial territories… the war lasted seven years
and left both countries in debt.
What will you do?
Create a stable economic system…
You must stabilize the economy and strengthen American
currency (money)! People’s livelihoods are depending on it.
What should you do? Consider the following options:
Things to consider:
 The United States government has a Revolutionary War
debt of $54 million dollars.
 The 13 states owe an additional $24 million.
 The national currency is worthless and your creditors will
not accept it as payment.
 Not every state holds the same amount of debt. Some
think it’s unfair that some states must pay more, when
they saw most of the fighting.
 Alexander Hamilton is a genius when it comes to numbers
and money; he’s also ambitious…
 Most Americans drink whiskey as a small luxury after a
hard day’s work.
 The Constitution grants the federal government power to
tax individuals.
 American companies are having a hard time competing
against goods imported from European companies.
What will you do?
Political Divisions…
You have been president for nearly eight years.
It’s time for you to retire to the quiet life of your
plantation. You are worried about troubles that
may arise and threaten the nation once you
leave office.
Things to consider:
 Thomas Jefferson and John Adams disagree on
most domestic and foreign policy issues. They
have formed groups to support them called
the Democratic-Republicans and the
Federalists.
 The economic differences between the
Northern and Southern states are increasingly
causing issues, especially when it comes to
tariffs and economic development.
 You’ve been a model of civic virtue and you
are still highly regarded by all Americans as a
hero, a father, and a model of civic virtue.
What will you do?