George Washington: The First President

1. George Washington: The First President

2. Launching The Nation • On April 14, 1789 at Mt. Vernon, George Washington was handed a letter informing him he had been chosen unanimously as the first president of the United States. • Washington was concerned that his age and lack of political experience would make him a poor president. • Many Americans admired Washington. They believed that his strong character, honesty, and patriotism would make him an excellent leader. They felt he would be a model forall citizens.

3. It took Washington 8 days to make the 235 mile journey from Mt. Vernon to New York. NY was to be the capital until a new one could be built. Along the way, citizens cheered him on with parades. They were excited that Washington was their president, however, few of them had ever considered themselves part of a united nation. • Citizens hoped that the new government would protect their freedom and stabilize the economy.

4. Setting Precedents • No one could tell Washington how to be president since no one had ever done the job before. He knew he would set an example for all future presidents-”The first of everything in our situation will serve to establish a precedent.” • He didn’t want to act like a king, but he wanted the presidency to be grand. He traveled in a yellow carriage pulled by horses powdered white with marble dust. And he wore formal attire to his weekly receptions-knee breeches and a sword strapped to his waist.

5. Washington was now head of the executive branch, but he knew he could not make all of the decisions on his own, so he appointed advisers. • These advisers made up the cabinet. Washington picked the very best and brightest to fill these positions-Thomas Jefferson was chosen secretary of state because he knew a lot about foreign nations. Alexander Hamilton was chosen secretary of the treasury because he knew a lot about finances.

6. The judicial branch needed some organizing since the constitution did not specify the number or location of federal courts. • In September 1789, Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1789 which created our federal court system with three levels-District courts, Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court. • President Washington nominated the candidates for federal judgeships at each level, which needed congressional approval. John Jay served as the first chief justice of the Supreme Court.

7. Washington established other precedents including: -Being called the President of the United States, or “Mr. President.” -Two Terms only -No Treaties with foreign countries.

8. Title • Some people thought that the House of Representatives’ proposal that Washington be called “His Excellency” was ridiculous. • They suggested such titles • His elective Highness OR • His highness the President of the United States and had all of the rights of the same • Washington, however, began the precedent of being called simply the president, or “President Washington.”

9. Two Terms • Washington easily won re-election as President • He chose not to run for a 3rd term, setting a precedent that would last until FDR

10. Washington Farwell Address • Washington’s Farwell Address was printed in a newspaper, but was not given in public. • Even so, Washington’s farewell Address set an important precedent for foreign relationships • Washington warned the United States to stay out of alliances with European countries tha might draw the US into war.