Should Washington’s cabinet have as much power?What steps did he take to make the new government work? Was he successful?

Washington’s First Steps His inauguration ceremony took place

on April 30, 1789 in NYC Washington was full of doubt, he looked

“grave, almost to sadness” As first President, he was setting up

future generations – set precedents, or an act/decision that sets an example for others to follow

Washington’s First StepsThe First Cabinet

Washington realized he needed talented people to help carry out his duties

Congress created five offices/departments1. Dept. of War2. Dept. of State3. Attorney General4. Dept. of Treasury

Postmaster General(not pictured)

Washington’s First StepsFederal Court System Congress had to set up a federal court system Passed the Judiciary Act in 1789 to create the

Supreme Court first One (1) Chief Justice (John Jay appointed by

Washington) And five (5) Associate Justices

ALSO established a system of district courts and circuit courts of appeal across the nation

Decisions made in lower courts could be appealed to the SUPREME COURT, highest in the land

Reducing the Nation’s Debt Sect. of Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, had to

deal with the national debt, total amount of money the government owed to others

During the REVOLUTION, the states borrowed money and supplies from foreign powers

Able to borrow by using bonds, or a certificate that promises to repay the money loaned, plus interest, on a certain date

Reducing the Nation’s Debt Wanted to buy up old bonds from ALL the states

consolidate the federal and state debts Hamilton decided to issue new bonds to pay off

old debts bankers/investors were fans of this!

James Madison disliked Hamilton’s plan, saying it would reward speculators

Speculator is someone who invests in a risky venture in the hope of making a large profit

Southern states had largely paid off debts on their own so should everyone else

Reducing the Nation’s Debt Hamilton’s Compromise Southerners wanted

US Capital in South

He agreed if they’d honor his repayment plan July 1790, D.C. was planned to be ready by 1800 ...meanwhile Capital moved NYC Philadelphia

Plans to Build the Economy Hamilton wanted to strengthen agriculture and

Industry Asked Congress to setup a national bank In 1791, Bank of the United States created

gov’t deposited money from taxes into the bank Bank issued paper money to pay gov’t bills Made loans to farmers & businesses growth

Plans to Build the Economy

To help manufacturers, Congress created a tariff, or tax, on foreign goods brought into the USA

Meant to protect local industry from foreign competition protective tariff

Northerners appreciated the help, Southerners saw as annoying.... Imports= $$ expensive

Whiskey Rebellion Hamilton wanted to raise $$ for Treasury made

a tax on luxury items such as liquor Backcountry farmers who grew corn and wheat

did not haul bulky loads to the East Coast Made whiskey instead were taxed (excise tax) 1794, farmers in western Pennsylvania rebelled,

tarred & feathered tax collectors

Whiskey Rebellion Washington & Hamilton were shocked quickly

dispatched 13,000 militia to respond Farmers’ resistance easily melted, they were

forgiven by the President Whiskey Rebellion was a test of America’s will

and its strength proof that gov’t would be firm in times of a crisis & violence not tolerated