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The New Government Finds its Way
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George Washington as President
In 1789 George Washington was elected to be the United States very first president by the electoral college. Washington was an excellent candidate because he had widespread popularity and respect, however he took the job reluctantly. -
The Administration
George Washington, John Adams, the vice president, and about a dozen clerks made up the administration. The administration consisted of the officials in the executive branch of government. -
Building the Court System
Madison helped to pass the Judiciary Act of 1789, this act established a system of courts. -
Hamiltons Plan
Hamiltons plan to bring the country out of debt was by selling government bonds. -
The Presidents Cabinet
The group of federal leaders who headed the major departments of the executive branch and advised the president. -
Hamilton Proposses Tariffs
To pay the annual interest on the bonds, Hamilton propossed new excise taxes and high tariffs. -
Hamiltons plan effects
First it would establish the nations finiancial credibilty, second it would buy political support from the wealthiest Americans, and third it would enrich investors. -
The Southern States oppose Hamiltons plan
The Southerners were against Hamiltons plan because they wondered why should they pay federal taxes to pay for the northern states? Hamilton justified this by interpreting the constitution. -
Hamilton Compromises
Hamilton promised that in ten years the national capitol would move southward to the banks of the Potomac river. -
Whiskey Rebellion
Mountains made it difficult to transport bulky bushels of grain to eastern markets. So instead people distilled their grain into whiskey, which was more compact and higher in value. -
Hamilton sees oppurtunity
Hamilton welcomed the oppurtunity to demonstrate the new power of the nation by suppressing the Whiskey Rebellion, Washington agreed. -
Whiskey rebellion stirs debate
The whiskey rebellion and its outcome fueled disaggrement. The Federalists blamed the rebellion in part on a set of political clubs known as the Democratic Societies
