George Washington's Precedents

Farewell Address

A speech given by President Washington as he concluded his second and final term as President. This set a precedent for future Presidents.

Presidential Cabinet

A team of advisors (heads of executive branch departments), or "assistant coaches", assembled by President Washington to help him deal with key issues; including Dept. of the Treasury, State, War and Attorney General.

State of the Union

An annual speech in which the president addresses Congress to report on the condition of the country and recommend policies.

Whiskey Rebellion

An uprising by farmers in Pennsylvania over taxes which was quickly diffused by President Washington, thereby illustrating the new powers of the national government under the Constitution. This demonstrated that the new federal gov't could deal with a crisis of this nature, unlike the inability of the national gov't under the Articles of Confederation to deal with Shays Rebellion. (Farmers used their corn to make whiskey)

Neutrality

Foreign policy urged by President Washington. He warned the U.S. to steer clear of foreign alliances which could lead us into war. He believed our military and economy needed time to recover following the American Revolution.

George Washington

Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in the American Revolution, leader of the Constitutional Convention, and the first President of the United States. His first inauguration was held in New York City. His second one was held in Philadelphia. He never lived in the White House or Washington, D.C. His farewell address set an important precedent and message for future Presidents.

National Bank

Hamilton's big idea; fiercely opposed by Jefferson and Democratic-Rep. The bank would regulate money and draw investors; showed that the constitution could be construed in many a way.

Mr. President

Official title of the President used while addressing him. This precedent was set by George Washington. Could have been called highness.

Thomas Jefferson

One of our "founding fathers", he embraced the ideas of the Enlightenment and drafted the Declaration of Independence. George Washington appointed him to be a part of his first Presidential Cabinet as our first Secretary of State. He often clashed with Hamilton on key issues, and supported a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

Judge Appointments

One of the first challenges was filling positions in the newly created Judicial Branch. It fell on him to nominate qualified candidates. In all, Washington appointed 38 judges to the federal court system.

Precedent

Taking a new action or setting a standard that others will follow; establishing a tradition(s). Washington established many traditions for future presidents as the first president of the USA.

Alexander Hamilton

The face of our $10 bill, he was the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. He was a strict Federalist and created the plan for the first National Bank of the United States. His economic plan helped the country to consolidate Revolutionary War debt and allow the economy to flourish. He supported a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

So Help Me God

Washington added the phrase; to the Presidential Oath of Office when he was sworn in as the nation's first president in 1789.

2 Terms

Washington steps down in 1796; deciding not to run for a third term. All future presidents until Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1940, followed this precedent.

Poltical Parties

Washington warned against the development of these; believed they did not serve the country. Worried they would divide the country rather than unite it.