Challenges and Debates in George Washington's Presidency

1. Ch 9.1-9.2: Washington’s Presidency EQ: What challenges and debates did George Washington face during his presidency?

2. After the Revolution, The Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution …

3. George Washington becomes President

4. America’s First President • Once Constitution had been ratified, the easy choice for president was Washington • Although choice was easy, the job itself would be difficult for a number of reasons • Country had agreed to a common government, but arguments would grow quickly in Washington’s presidency

5. FYI: Washington Cont. • Inauguration: April 30 1789, New York City • What to call him? • His Excellency? • His Highness? • Mr. President? • Vice-President: John Adams • Runner up

6. Setting up the Courts • Congress passes the Federal Judiciary Act of 1789. • Gives Supreme Court 6 members • Chief Justice, or judge • 5 associate judges • Provides lower federal courts • FYI: Today there are 9 total Supreme Court Judges

7. Washington’s Cabinet 15 today Heads of department established by Congress become the President’s cabinet. Cabinet = heads of departments that help the president lead the nation. Secretary of War (Henry Knox): Oversee’s nation’s defenses Secretary of State (Thomas Jefferson): oversaw relations between the U.S. and other nations. Secretary of the Treasury (Alexander Hamilton): Managed Governments Money

8. What problems did America’s debt cause?

9. American Debt • Biggest problem facing new nation was economic issues • Country owed huge war debts to France, Spain, and Netherlands for Revolutionary War • If U.S. didn’t pay debts, then other countries would be reluctant to do business with them

10. What was Hamilton’s plan?

11. Hamilton’s Plan • Alexander Hamilton came up with a plan • His plan included: • Paying off war debts • Raising U.S. revenues • A national bank • Hamilton believed that government should encourage business and industry, so people in business and industry supported his ideas

12. How a Bank Works

13. What did Hamilton and Jefferson debate?

14. What did Hamilton and Jefferson debate? • Hamilton wanted Jefferson’s support to convince South to pay off war debts as a country, instead of states • Jefferson agreed to compromise- this moved nation’s capital to South (between Maryland and Virginia) instead of North (New York). • The men would continue to have issues over creation of a national bank

15. Debated Interpretation of the Constitution • Jefferson argued on a strict interpretation of the Constitution. • Thought Congress only had powers stated in the Constitution • Hamilton argued on a loose interpretation of the Constitution. • Thought elastic clause gave power to congress to provide what was needed to carry out government’s duties.

16. FYI: Other Challenges… • Battle of Fallen Timbers : Washington send troops to fight Native Americans and protect the Northwest Territory. • The Whiskey Rebellion (1794): Farmers rebelled against tax on whiskey. • Grains were made into whiskey • This rebellion helped prove that the government was not weak and would enforce the laws.

17. Meanwhile, In France... Jacques-Louis David, The Tennis Court Oath

18. The French Wanted a government based on the people. The Storming of the Bastille, 14 July 1789

19. The French Revolution Jefferson Hamilton US Should Oppose French Revolution US Should Support French Revolution

20. Staying Neutral Washington favored

21. Reflection • Write your summary using 10 sentences (minimum) using detail!  • Remember: Answer your EQ EQ: What challenges and debates did George Washington face during his presidency?