Launching the Nation – Washington’s Presidency

10.1– Laying the Foundations of Government

(Unit 8)

First President

• 1789: 11 states sent delegates to choose the first POTUS

• These delegates formed the electoral college.

• Electoral college unanimously elected Washington as POTUS and John Adams V-POTUS.

Washington sworn in as POTUS in NYC – our 1st capital!

http://mrbach.net/documents/multimedia_2.html

Setting Precedents• The Constitution has been ratified. Washington

is President – Now What?!– Put Constitution into “play” for the first time.

• Precedents: an action or decision that serves as an example for later generations.– Creating Dept. Heads (Secretaries)– Cabinet Meetings – Dept. Heads meet to talk about

important issues– Serving 2 terms – Farewell Address

Department Heads – “Dream Team”Secretary of State–

Thomas JeffersonSecretary of Treasury – Alexander Hamilton

Secretary of War – Henry Knox

• Judiciary Act 1789 – created a federal court system with three levels.– Supreme Court– Court of Appeals– District Courts

Supreme Court Chief Justice – John Jay

Attorney General – Edmund Randolph