Class Presentation

1. The First
President
Essential Question: What decisions did Washington and the
new Congress have to make about the new government?
What challenges did Washington face during his presidency?
TN Standard 8.35- Analyze the major events of George
Washington's presidency, including Pinckney's Treaty, Jay's
Treaty, Whiskey Rebellion, and precedents set in the
Farewell Address.

2. Washington Takes Office
The new Constitution
called for a strong
executive branch headed
by a president
Washington is elected w/
John Adams as his VP
Washington knew his
actions would set
“precedents”
Washington set the
standard for the office of
president

3. The Cabinet
A group of advisors to
the president
Three department
heads: Jefferson,
Hamilton, and Knox
The president was
given the power to
dismiss members
without Senate’s
approval

4. Checkpoint
How was the presidency different under the new
Constitution?
Who were the members of Washington’s first
cabinet?

5. Establishing the Court
System
Some members of
Congress wanted a
uniform court system
Judiciary Act of 1789
States kept their own
court system and laws
but federal courts could
reverse state court
decisions
John Jay was chosen as
first chief justice of the
Supreme Court

6. Checkpoint
Why was the Judiciary Act of 1789 passed?
Who was the first Chief Justice of the Supreme
Court?

7. The New Economy
Financial issues were
handled by Alexander
Hamilton (Secretary of
the Treasury)
Federal and state
governments owed lots
of money to other
countries AND U.S.
citizens
Hamilton’s job was to
fix the nation’s
economy

8. Hamilton’s Plan
The government
needed a way to
borrow money
The government had to
prove that it would pay
back money it owed
He proposed that the
federal government
would take over and
pay states’ wartime
debts

9. Opposition to Hamilton’s
Plan
Government had issued
bonds (notes promising
repayment) during the
Revolution
Many bond owners sold their
bonds for less
Hamilton was wanting to pay
off debts at the original value
Southern states owed less
Hamilton wanted the entire
nation to repay debts as a
whole
Southern states did not like
having to pay the debts of
other states

10. Checkpoint
Who was the Secretary of the Treasury under
Washington?
What did the government agree to pay for under
Hamilton’s plan?
Why did some states disagree with Hamilton’s
economic plan?

11. Compromise and a Capital
Hamilton made a deal
with Southern states
If they agreed to help
pay off the debt, he
would support
relocating the nation’s
capital to the South
Congress set up a
special district between
Virginia and Maryland
(Washington, D.C.)

12. The Fight for a National
Bank
Hamilton wanted a
national bank to hold
government money
and pay debts
It would create a single
form of currency
Thomas Jefferson and
James Madison
opposed because they
believed it would help
the wealthy

13. Tariffs and Taxes
Hamilton proposed tariffs
(taxes on imports) to raise
money for the government
and protect American
industry
The South had little
industry and opposed
tariffs
Congress approved
several taxes, including a
tax on whiskey
Hamilton’s ideas scared
many into thinking that the
government was being
controlled by the wealthy

14. Checkpoint
What compromise did Hamilton make with
Southern states?
What was created by Hamilton for the purpose of
establishing a single currency and managing
government finances?
How did Hamilton raise money for the
government?

15. Trouble in the New Nation
Britain and France
were pushing the
U.S. to get involved
in their conflicts
Washington wanted
to stay neutral
Native Americans
fought against
American settlers
moving west

16. The Whiskey Rebellion
1791- Congress taxed the
manufacture and sale of
whiskey
Farmers in Western PA were
enraged
In July, 1794, they burned
buildings and attacked tax
collectors
Leaders viewed this as a
challenge to the new
government
Washington sent troops to
stop the rebellion
The message to the public

17. Washington Struggles to Stay
Neutral
The French were
trying to lure the U.S.
into conflict with Great
Britain
Washington issued
the Proclamation of
Neutrality
Britain challenged this
neutrality by capturing
American ships that
traded with the French
(impressment)

18. Checkpoint
Which rebellion occurred during Washington’s
presidency?
How did Washington feel about America’s role in
international conflicts?

19. Jay’s Treaty
Washington send
John Jay to Britain
to solve the issue
The British agreed
to withdraw from
American soil
Many Americans
disagreed with the
treaty but it was
passed with a close
vote in the Senate

20. Pinckney’s Treaty
Jay’s Treaty worried
the Spanish (they
feared U.S. and
Britain would work
together against them)
Washington sent
Thomas Pinckney to
settle issues with
Spain.
Gave Americans the
right to travel the MS
River and trade in
New Orleans

21. Washington’s Farewell
Address
Washington decided
not to seek a third
term
“observe good faith
and justice toward all
nations…”
“…steer clear of
permanent alliances”
Warned against the
threat of growing
political parties.

22. Checkpoint
Which treaty indicated that the British had to
leave American soil?
Which treaty opened the MS River for travel by
the USA?
According to his farewell address, what was
Washington’s greatest fear?

23. Summarizer
Create 5 multiple choice quiz questions over
Washington’s presidency