george washington’s precedents
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George Washington’s Precedents. Precedents showing Washington’s Character . Added “So help me God” to the oath of office Every president since Washington has added this phrase to the oath since he did as the first president Decided to be called “Mr. President” - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
George Washington’s Precedents
Precedents showing Washington’s
Character Added “So help me God” to the oath of office
Every president since Washington has added this phrase to the oath since he did as the first president
Decided to be called “Mr. President” Does not want Your Highness, Your Greatness, etc.
The Oath of Office“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States”.
Article II, Section 1, United States ConstitutionWashington added “So help me God” to the end
Government Location Compromise between Washington’s cabinet and congressional leaders Absorb states’ debt if capital is moved
South capital moved from New York City to a more neutral locationFor Hamilton to get his national debt plan to absorb states’ debt approved he needed the South to agree
Washington chose land in both Maryland and Virginia (later named Washington, DC)
He owned some of the land Wasn’t moved to DC until Adams Presidency; in Philadelphia until then
Executive Department
Created the common practice of cabinet positions within the executive department in order to lead with the support of advisors
President could not possibly know everythingSurrounded himself with the best advisorsMeet regularly with advisors to discuss issues
Washington’s Cabinet Vice President- John Adams Sec. of Treasury- Alexander Hamilton Sec. of State- Thomas Jefferson Sec. of War- Henry Knox Postmaster General- Samuel Osgood
Federal Court SystemConstitution set up the basics Judiciary Act of 1789
Washington helped pass and implementAct created and federal district level courts, established hierarchy and flow between court levels, state and federal Appointed judges to fill these courts
NeutralityAmericans would not get involved in foreign affairs unless a direct attack to the United States occurred
Mostly followed until WWI Established strong trade relationships between Great Britain and France
Two Term Presidency Limit himself to two terms as president
Create change in leadership at least every 8 years Nothing officially keeping president from serving more terms until 22nd amendment, after FDRs 4 terms in office