Administration of George Washington
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First president of US
Elected unanimously
Takes oath of office in NYC (was the capital of the US in 1789)
Well respected, well liked
Sets many precedents or examples for future presidents
1. PRECEDENTS:
 Use a cabinet
 Use the military to enforce federal laws
 Only serve two terms
 Stay neutral in foreign affairs (no “entangling alliances”)
 Avoid political parties
Cabinet:
1. Secretary of the Treasury: Alexander Hamilton
 Creates a 4 part plan to pay off national debt (domestic issue):
 #1: Tax whiskey – leads to the Whiskey Rebellion in which farmers refuse to pay tax.
Washington sets a precedent by using the military to enforce the law. (Opposite of what
happens during Shays’ Rebellion under the Articles of Confederation)
 #2: Pay off old bonds and state debt – Prove to the American people that the
government can be trusted to pay its debt
 #3: Form a National Bank – bank can collect money and make loans. Anti-Federalists
argue that the federal government does not have the constitutional power to make a bank.
Hamilton cites the “Elastic Clause” and argues that it is necessary and proper for the
success of the US.
o Anti-Federalists also argue that the bank will only help business owners in the
North and does not do anything to help farmers in the South
 #4: Create a protective tariff (tax on imported good) – by making foreign made
products more expensive Americans would buy the American items. This would help US
businesses grow.
o Anti-Federalists argue that the protective tariff only helps business and factory
owners in the North and does not do anything to help farmers in the South
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***Many of Hamilton’s policies seem to favor the North. He convinces the Southerners to accept
his policies by agreeing to locate the nation’s capital in the South in what will become
Washington, DC.
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Foreign Policy: Washington issues Neutrality Proclamation – the US will not pick sides in foreign wars, they will
not ally, they are going to stay out of foreign affairs and not take sides or make political connections. He argues
that the US is a baby nation with a weak military and should not be involved in the wars of other countries.
However, he believes that the US should still trade and do business with foreign nations.
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Farewell Address: Washington gives two pieces of advice:
1. Stay neutral in foreign affairs – do not ally, do not take sides
2. Avoid political parties – they can create division in society which is dangerous and could lead to a war