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The First President

The First President. Senate met to vote for President after ratification of the Constitution. Many feared a President would become King. They trusted Gen. George Washington April 6, 1789 – Unanimous election John Adams – 1 st Vice President. Shaping the Future.

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The First President

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  1. The First President • Senate met to vote for President after ratification of the Constitution. • Many feared a President would become King. • They trusted Gen. George Washington • April 6, 1789 – Unanimous election • John Adams – 1st Vice President

  2. Shaping the Future • Precedents set by 1st President would shape the future of America. • “No slip will pass unnoticed.” • What does that mean to you? • Washington’s 1st action • How to address the President: Mr. President • Not, “His Highness” as suggested by J. Adams.

  3. The First Congress • Set up 1st Three Departments in Executive Branch of gov’t • State Department: Relations with other nations • Treasury Dept: Financial issues • War Dept: Provides for the nation’s defense • Attorney General: Handles all gov’t legal affairs • Postmaster General: Direct the postal service

  4. The Cabinet • Washington decided to appoint leaders of the departments. • Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson • Secretary of the Treasury: Alexander Hamilton • Secretary of War: Henry Knox • Attorney General: Edmund Randolph • Met regularly, known as “The Cabinet”

  5. Hamilton’s Plan • Gave “I Owe You” notes (Bonds) to people to repay money contributed during Rev. War. • Many sold bonds to speculators (people who risk $ to make a larger profit) • Many opposed repaying full price for bonds – especially the south. • Moved capital to Washington, DC to get support from southern states.

  6. Challenges • Struggled to keep Americans from moving to NW territories • Indian Land • Caused fighting over land • The Battle of Fallen Timbers • Crushed over 1,000 Native Americans • Wanted to keep America neutral during French Revolution • Proclamation of Neutrality: Prohibited Americans from fighting for either side.

  7. Jay’s Treaty • Washington promised to maintain neutrality. • British agreed • Withdraw troops from America • Pay for seized ships • Allow trade w/ British colonies • Settled all debts w/ Britain prior to Declaration of Independence

  8. Washington’s Farewell • Served 2 terms • Set precedent for future Presidents to follow. • Left angered about divisions in American politics. • Farewell address • Attacked evils of political parties • Urged citizens to “observe good faith and justice towards all nations, ‘tis our policy to steer clear of permanent alliances.”

  9. First Political Parties

  10. The People’s Role • Federalists/Hamilton: Didn’t believe in involvement of the public in politics. • Should be representative gov’t. • “The people are turbulent and changing, they seldom judge or determine right.” • Jefferson: Believed liberty would be safe only if people participated in gov’t. • “I am not among those who fear the people. They, and not the rich, are our dependents for continued freedom.”

  11. Election of 1796 • 1st time candidates sought office as a member of a party. • Caucuses: meetings held by each party to choose candidates for office. • Federalists – John Adams • Republicans – Thomas Jefferson • Former friends => Bitter rivals • John Adams won 71 to 68 • Jefferson became V.P.

  12. John Adams • XYZ Affair: Inherited a battle w/ French • French began attacking American ships after Jay’s treaty. • French demanded a bribe and a loan • Adams refused and prepared for war • Forced Washington to come out of retirement to be commanding general. • Never actually went to war.

  13. Adams refused to go to war w/ French • Despite popular opinion • Federalists wanted war for patriotism to help with next election. • Adams struck a peace treaty with France. • Knew this would prevent his re-election. • In the best interest of U.S.

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