THE GROWING NATION

Secretary of State.

To help him deal with other nations, Washington needed a highly experienced man as Secretary of State. He appointed Thomas Jefferson from Virginia for this job.

precedent

An important example that others will follow.

The President Sets Examples.

As the first President, Washington faced problems that no other President has had to deal with. Washington had no pattern to follow, no one to look to for an example. He was very careful to act with dignity in order to command the respect due the office of President. Some of the precedents set by Washington involved the title of the President, the term of office, and the making of treaties with other nations. Some concern was voiced about the title or names for the President. A committee was formed in the Senate and offered this title: "His highness the President of the United States of America, and protector of their liberties." Washington did not like anything that resembled the title of a king. Washington asked people to call him simply, "The President of the United States." When France went to war against England in 1792, it expected the United States to help. Since France had helped the U.S. in the Revolutionary War, many Americans were in favor of helping the French. President Washington refused to declare war against England, however. He warned the people against wars in Europe and making alliances with those nations.

Attorney General.

Edmund Randolph was appointed Attorney General. Randolph was from Virginia. Had Washington chosen his Cabinet from just the southern states, there would have been jealousy. Washington was careful to set a good example and involve all sections of the nation in his government. After serving two terms as President--a total of eight years--Washington refused to be President any longer. Other Presidents have followed his example of limiting himself to only two terms. An amendment now makes Washington's example a part of the Constitution. After his years as President, Washington was ready to retire to Mount Vernon, his home in northern Virginia. Watch the video below about his home, which now has over a million visitors every year

THE COUNTRY RECEIVES LEADERSHIP

In 1789, George Washington was sworn into office. During the inauguration ceremonies, he placed his hand on the Bible and repeated this oath of office: "I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."

stature

Physical, mental, and moral nature; height.

inauguration

The special ceremony placing a person into office.

Secretary of War.

To defend the nation and keep the armed forces strong, Henry Knox was appointed the Secretary of War. Knox was from Massachusetts.

Secretary of the Treasury.

To handle all the money problems, he appointed Alexander Hamilton as the Secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton was from New York.

The President's Cabinet Is Formed.

To help him accomplish all his duties, the President has a team of assistants called a Cabinet. For his Cabinet, Washington selected good men from various parts of the country. Congress created three Cabinet positions immediately and later added a fourth. These new departments were the Department of State, the Treasury Department, the War Department, and later the Department of Justice (Attorney General).