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.

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)

Taking a new action or setting a standard that others will follow.

A team of advisors (heads of executive branch departments), or "assistant coaches", assembled by President Washington to help him deal with key issues.

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

Precedents established by President Washington

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.

A new system created by the Constitution in which power would be shared between the national and state governments.

George Washington derived his power in this part of the national government, as dictated by the U.S. Constitution.

Members of Washington's first Presidential Cabinet.

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.

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.