Washington was chosen unanimously by the Electoral College

John Adams was elected Vice PresidentThe 2 did not work closely together once in office

Inaugurated April 30, 1789 in New York

Constitution did not specify what “departments” should be created

State – Thomas Jefferson Treasury – Alexander Hamilton War – Henry Knox

Attorney General – Edmund Randolph

These advisors became known as the cabinet

Owed money to foreign nations, citizens and soldiers

Hamilton’s Plan:◦Federal government should take on all debt

(some states disagreed)◦Pass tariffs to raise money◦Form national bank and mint

1790 – capitol moved to Washington DC to convince Southerners to support banking plan

Set up Supreme Court & 3 Federal Circuit Courts. Numbers have increased over time

John Jay – 1st SC Chief Justice

Guaranteed federal laws remained “supreme Law of the Land” as stated by Constitution.

1)Strict or Loose interpretation of Constitution?◦Follow exactly what Constitution says◦Take reasonable actions not specified as

long as they aren’t prohibited

2) For or against the national bank? (Hamilton for, Jefferson against)

Bank of United States formed February 1791

Washington thought they were dangerous, but divisions formed the first political parties

Federalists – followers of Hamilton ◦Believed in a strong federal government◦Supported national bank◦Favored industry & trade◦Elite should control government

Republicans – followers of Jefferson◦Strong state governments◦Opposed national bank◦Favored agriculture◦Common people should control

government

1791 – tax passed on liquor◦Farmers resented wealth of the East◦Objected to the tax◦Attacked tax collectors in western PA◦Washington sent 13,000 troops from MD, NJ & VA to meet 2,000 farmers

◦Militia arrested many, 2 convicted of treason

◦Showed federal power