1) George Washington was the first President of the United States and established important precedents for the role, including choosing leaders for his cabinet. 2) One of Washington's tasks was to establish the authority and legitimacy of the new federal government by suppressing the Whiskey Rebellion, a tax protest by farmers, without arresting anyone. 3) The new American government had to determine whether to take sides in the French Revolution or remain neutral, as debates emerged between Hamilton and Jefferson over supporting the French allies or avoiding conflict with Britain.