Who was inaugurated as the 1st President of the United States?
George Washington
He was inaugurated on April 30, 1789, in New York City.
Who served as the Vice President under George Washington?
John Adams
Adams was the first Vice President of the United States.
What precedent did Washington establish regarding the cabinet?
Presidential control
Washington appointed Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State and Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury.
How many vetoes did Washington issue as President?
2
Washington did not attempt to create legislation during his presidency.
Who helped draft the Bill of Rights?
James Madison
The Bill of Rights was ratified in December 1791.
What did the Judiciary Act of 1789 establish?
Federal court system
This included the establishment of the U.S. Supreme Court.
What was the national debt in 1789?
$54 million
This was the total debt that Hamilton proposed to pay back to current holders.
What was Hamilton’s proposal regarding the national debt?
Pay back to current holders
Madison proposed paying back to original holders, but Hamilton’s proposal was accepted.
What compromise was reached regarding state debts?
New capital in the District of Columbia
The federal government would assume all state debts.
What economic system did Hamilton favor?
Merchants and bankers of the northern states
Madison and Jefferson favored a system for farmers and planters of the southern states.
What did Hamilton’s economic program include?
- Funding of the national debt
- Assumption of state debts
- Creation of a national bank
- Protective tariffs
The tariffs were the only part of the program that was voted down.
What was the most controversial aspect of Hamilton’s program?
Bank of the United States
Hamilton argued for a loose interpretation of the Constitution; Madison argued for a strict interpretation.
How long was the charter for the Bank of the U.S.?
20 years
The Bank of the U.S. was created under Hamilton’s economic program.
What did the gap between Hamilton and Madison/Jefferson indicate?
Strong differences of opinion
These differences existed between the northern and southern states in the 1790s.
Who was strongly pro-France during the early U.S. foreign affairs?
Jefferson
Hamilton was pro-England, leading to tensions as England and France went to war in 1793.
What decision did President Washington make regarding the war between England and France?
Declare neutrality
This decision was made to avoid entanglement in the conflict.
Who was Edmond Genet?
French Ambassador to the U.S.
He attempted to use the U.S. against Spain and England, angering Americans.
What was the outcome of Jay’s Treaty?
The U.S. received little; war with England was averted
Washington signed the treaty in 1795 despite strong public opposition.
What did Pinckney’s Treaty grant to Americans?
- Free navigation of the Mississippi River
- Accepted the Mississippi River and Florida as the U.S. border
- Stopped inciting Indian attacks
This treaty was signed in 1796 due to Spain’s fear of a U.S.-England alliance.
Who defeated an Indian force at the Battle of Fallen Timbers?
General Anthony Wayne
This battle occurred in 1794 and led to the Treaty of Greenville.
What did the Treaty of Greenville entail?
- Indians gave up land claims in Ohio
- U.S. agreed not to claim land not ceded
This treaty was signed in 1795.
What political factions emerged during this period?
- Republicans (Jefferson and Madison)
- Federalists (Hamilton)
New political newspapers and clubs were established, with many Republican clubs supporting the French revolution.
What event was triggered by a whiskey tax imposed in 1791?
Whiskey Rebellion
Hamilton urged Washington to act, leading to the deployment of a 15,000-man militia.
True or false: Washington supported the formation of political clubs and factions.
FALSE
Washington continuously spoke out against clubs and factions.
