The document discusses the early political development of the United States under George Washington's presidency from 1789 to 1800. It highlights the importance of James Madison in drafting the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Washington established many precedents as the first president by creating the first cabinet, delivering inaugural addresses, and using the title of "Mr. President." His first term focused on domestic policies like defining a strong presidency, appointing able leaders, and traveling to engage citizens. His cabinet, led by Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, began the first political parties as they disagreed on the role and scope of the federal government.

1. The Young Republic,
1789-1800
George Washington &
America’s 1st
Political Parties

2. The Importance of James Madison
“Father of the Constitution;” drafted the Bill of
Rights; was the leader of Congress who helped
create the 1st
federal taxes, depts & courts; &
will serve as the 4th
president

3. Washington as President
The unanimous choice for the
leader of the infant republic was
George Washington
He established many
precedents to make
the presidency:
–Created the 1st
cabinet
–Delivered an inaugural address
–The title “Mr. President”

5. Washington as President
Washington’s 1st
term as president
was defined by domestic policydomestic policy:
–He helped define a strong &
active presidency
–Appointed strong, able leaders
to cabinet posts
–Focused on the U.S. economy
–Traveled to every state to “show
the people” their national gov’t

6. Washington’s Cabinet Alexander Hamilton,
Secretary of Treasury
Thomas Jefferson,
Secretary of State
George Washington,
President
Washington acted as president as he did as a
military general: he surrounded himself with
capable subordinates, listened to their advice,
then made the final decision
Hamilton & Jefferson proved to be his most
capable cabinet members but were also the most
divisive because they had vastly different views
on the role of gov’t for the new nation

7. Alexander Hamilton
Hamilton believed a strong central
gov’t was best for America:
–He wanted the U.S. to grow as
an industrial power with less
dependency on Europe
–He wanted the U.S. economy to
mirror the English economy
–He feared democracy would
lead to anarchy; power should
be in hands of wealthy citizens

8. Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson believed that a limited
gov’t would preserve liberty:
–He saw the U.S. as an agrarian
nation with active foreign trade
to buy manufactured goods
–He trusted the common people
over the elitist aristocracy
–He favored close ties with
France, especially when the
French Revolution began