GEORGE WASHINGTON

The Washington Presidency

1789-1797

Washington’s Cabinet

•Constitution allowed Washington to appoint officials in charge of executive departments.

•Chief officials began meeting together with Washington became known as the cabinet

First Cabinet• 4 Original Offices:

• Secretary of War (Henry Knox) oversee the nation’s defenses.

• Secretary of State (Thomas Jefferson) oversee the relations between the U.S. and other countries.

• Secretary of the Treasury (Alexander Hamilton) to manage the government’s money.

• Attorney General (Edmond Randolph) to advise the government on legal matters.

What does precedent mean?

•Precedent=an action taken for the first time that is later followed by others afterwards

•Washington’s cabinet=one of his many precedents

Washington’s Foreign Policy

• U.S. was weak militarily after Revolution

• To avoid being drawn into French Revolution Washington adopted a policy of neutrality.

• The Proclamation of Neutrality (1793)• the US would not pick sides in

European conflict• the US would not become

involved in foreign war

Washington’s Domestic Policy:A Long “To-Do” List

• define authority of central government

• create a stable economic system

• build a military

• maintain national security

• conduct foreign relations

• enter into treaties with Indian tribes

Washington Retires

• Established the precedent of only a two-term presidency

• Warned U.S. to remain neutral and avoid political parties in Farewell Address