George Washington

• President of the Constitutional Convention• Elected US President in 1789-1797 (Did not

have opposition to his election)

Precedents (Examples to follow) of Washington

• Selects a Cabinet: leaders or advisers in the executive departments.

• Support National Treasury• Pay debt from Revolution• Federal government to take over state’s debts• Borrow/lend money to foreign nations• Supports Whiskey Tax (Sin Tax) to pay off war debt• Use of troops to end rebellion• Neutrality• Two terms only

Alexander Hamilton

• Secretary of Treasury under Washington• “Father of the National Debt”

Thomas Jefferson

• Secretary of State under George Washington

Whiskey Rebellion

• Rebels close courts and attack collectors• First time troops are used by Federal Gov’t by

Washington. 12,000 soldiers are used.• Gov’t will not tolerate armed rebellion.