III. Washington’s Presidency

A. Choosing the President

1. Picking the President– 11 states send electors to vote– April 6, 1789: Congress declares George

Washington President

2. Washington’s Feeling on Presidency– Was reluctant to become president– Did not want to be dragged into political fights– Took job b/c he thought it was his duty

3. What to call him– Some said “His

Excellency”– Others thought that

sounded to much like a king

– No kings in a Democracy

– Chose the simple title of “Mr. President”

B. Setting Precedents1. Washington’s Cabinet– Organize Executive branch– Congress creates executive

departments (later called “the cabinet”)

– Each specializes in a specific area• Secretary of Treasury: Hamilton• Secretary of State: Jefferson

2. Establishing Federal Courts– Constitution did not specify

the # or locations of courts– Sept 1789: Judiciary Act

Passed– Creates a federal court system

w/ 3 levels• Supreme Court, Court of

Appeals, District Courts

– John Jay = 1st Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

C. Whiskey Rebellion1. Tax on Whiskey– March 1791: Congress

passes tax– To help pay debt

2. Protests– “Whiskey Boys” upset

about tax– Tar and Feather tax

collectors– Declare a Rebellion against

the Govt

3. Government Response– Seen as threat to

National Govt– Nov. 1794: Washington

leads 10,000 soldiers to Western Pennsylvania

– Rebels fled to the country side

– Rebellion ends w/o a battle

D. Washington’s Farewell1. Only 2 terms– Did not run for 3rd term– Showed he was no King and the people had the

power

2. Farewell Addressa) Warns about Dangers to the Nation• Debt• Dangerous Foreign Alliances• Political Divisions at home

b) Advice• Government should not borrow money• US should avoid permanent alliances• No political parties b/c disputes between political

groups weakens administration