Name: ________________________________
Date: ____________________ Period: __________
Washington Takes Office
Ch. 8.1 pgs 282-287
Essential Question: How did issues, both foreign and domestic (In the U.S.), challenge the strength
of the new central government?
Directions: Read through section 8.1 and answer the following questions. The questions can be found
in the section it is under. Read the section first and then answer the questions. Remember to write
all your answers in your own words.
Main Idea
The First President
Supporting Details
Washington
1. Define: In your own words define what a precedent is?
2. Draw Conclusions: Why would almost all of Washington’s actions be
setting precedents for other presidents?
The Executive Branch
3. Why did Washington create the cabinet?
Establishing the Judiciary
4. What law was passed to establish the U.S. court system and the
Supreme Court?
The Nation’s First
Economic Crisis
Debt
1. Why was the U.S. government in debt following the Revolutionary
War?
2. Draw Conclusions: Why would a speculator purchase a bond for
less money than it is actually worth?
Hamilton’s
Financial Plan
Paying the Debt
1. Why did Hamilton feel it was important for the National government
to assume and pay off all federal and state debts?
2. Why did Southerners oppose Hamilton’s assumption (debt) plan?
3. What was the compromise Congress came up with to make
Southerners happy?
A National Bank
1. Why did Thomas Jefferson oppose Hamilton’s proposal of a National
Bank?
A High Tariff
1. Why did Southerners disapprove of Hamilton’s tariff (tax on imported
goods)?
The Whiskey
Rebellion
Tax on Whiskey
1. Why did the national government pass this tax and how did farmers
react to it?
2. How did Washington’s response to the Whiskey Rebellion show the
strength of the new government?