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Chapter 10.1 Lying The Foundations of Government. George Washington looked forward to retiring from public life after the signing of the Constitution. However, duty would call him into service one last time. Why did George Washington want to retire?. In 1789 George Washington was
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Chapter 10.1 Lying The Foundations of Government • George Washington looked forward to retiring from public life after the signing of the Constitution. • However, duty would call him into service one last time.
Why did George Washington want to retire? • In 1789 • George Washington was • 57 yrs old. • Most men lived to 60 • Had a farm to run at Mt. Vernon, Virginia • Had a family to raise • Two children had recently died • Left 2 grandchildren for George and Martha to raise
However, after the signing of the U.S. Constitution…we needed a POTUS • It was determined that only 4 men were up for the job: • George Washington • Most well liked man in America • John Adams • Liked in Massachusetts • Not well known elsewhere • Thomas Jefferson • Did not want to be 1st POTUS • Benjamin Franklin • Felt he was too old and fat.
January 1789 • Each state sent a delegate to New York to pick the first POTUS. • This group becomes known as the electoral college • Group of people that still pick the POTUS today. • April 6, 1789 • George Washington was picked as 1st POTUS • John Adams becomes Vice President
Why did Washington accept the presidency? • He felt it was his duty to continue to serve his country until it was no longer necessary… • So, he becomes the leader of a country with 4,000,000 citizens. • So where do we begin?
Our 1st President, the Honorable George Washington • Since George Washington is the 1st POTUS, • Whatever he does, so will every POTUS after him. • Called a precedent • An action or a decision that serves as an example for later generations. • 1st precedent? • Taking the Oath of Office • POTUS swears to do his best… • “So help me God”
Washington Takes the Oath of Office • http://www.mrbach.net/documents/multimedia_2.html
Washington’s 1st Duty…Make a Dream Team to help run the Country • Appoint people to help him make decisions • Called the Presidential Cabinet • Each person is titled a Secretary. • Secretary of State • Thomas Jefferson • Secretary of the Treasury • Alexander Hamilton • Secretary of War • Henry Knox
Next, set up the Court System • Why? • Our new country needs a law system that works from day 1! • Pres. Washington gets Congress to pass the Judiciary Act of 1789 • Sets up court system in America: • Supreme Court is highest court in land • Courts of Appeals • District Courts • Local Courts is lowest • Next, President Washington is going to try to fix the financial crisis in America…..let the fun begin.
Review Questions • Where did George Washington call home? • What was the first capital of the United States? • What is the Presidential Cabinet? • What group selected the first POTUS? • What is the Judiciary Act of 1789?