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George Washington’s Precedents

George Washington’s Precedents. Precedents showing Washington’s Character . Added “So help me God” to the oath of office Every president since Washington has added this phrase to the oath since he did as the first president Decided to be called “Mr. President”

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George Washington’s Precedents

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  1. George Washington’s Precedents

  2. Precedents showing Washington’s Character • Added “So help me God” to the oath of office • Every president since Washington has added this phrase to the oath since he did as the first president • Decided to be called “Mr. President” • Does not want Your Highness, Your Greatness, etc.

  3. The Oath of Office • “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States”. • Article II, Section 1, United States Constitution • Washington added “So help me God” to the end

  4. Government Location • Compromise between Washington’s cabinet and congressional leaders  Absorb states’ debt if capital is moved • South  capital moved from New York City to a more neutral location • For Hamilton to get his national debt plan to absorb states’ debt approved he needed the South to agree • Washington chose land in both Maryland and Virginia (later named Washington, DC) • He owned some of the land • Wasn’t moved to DC until Adams Presidency; in Philadelphia until then

  5. Executive Department • Created the common practice of cabinet positions within the executive department in order to lead with the support of advisors • President could not possibly know everything • Surrounded himself with the best advisors • Meet regularly with advisors to discuss issues • Washington’s Cabinet • Vice President- John Adams • Sec. of Treasury- Alexander Hamilton • Sec. of State- Thomas Jefferson • Sec. of War- Henry Knox • Postmaster General- Samuel Osgood

  6. Federal Court System • Constitution set up the basics • Judiciary Act of 1789 • Washington helped pass and implement • Act created and federal district level courts, established hierarchy and flow between court levels, state and federal • Appointed judges to fill these courts

  7. Neutrality • Americans would not get involved in foreign affairs unless a direct attack to the United States occurred • Mostly followed until WWI • Established strong trade relationships between Great Britain and France

  8. Two Term Presidency • Limit himself to two terms as president • Create change in leadership at least every 8 years • Nothing officially keeping president from serving more terms until 22nd amendment, after FDRs 4 terms in office

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