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” Does not want Your Highness, Your Greatness, etc.

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

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

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 everythingSurrounded himself with the best advisorsMeet 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

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

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

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