The New GovernmentThe New Government

Angela Brown

Chapter 5 Section 4

Page 143

Federal HallFederal Hall

April 30, 1789 thousands surrounded Federal Hall on New York City’s Wall Street for Washington’s Inauguration.

It served as the temporary home of the new government.

New LeadersNew Leaders

Washington was elected President unanimously by the electoral college.

John Adams, a Federalist from Massachusetts became Vice-President.

The CabinetThe Cabinet

With only Washington, Adams, and Congress as Federal officers President Washington began selecting officials to head the major departments of the executive branch.

They would run their own agencies and advise the President.

The First Cabinet OfficialsThe First Cabinet Officials

Edmund Randolph of Virginia was named Attorney General, the nation’s chief law officer and legal adviser.

Henry Knox, who had been Secretary of War Under the Articles continued the job.

Thomas Jefferson was chosen to head the Department of State, handling relations with foreign countries.

Alexander Hamilton accepted the job of Secretary of the Treasury.

Secretary of State JeffersonSecretary of State Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson had not achieved great fame yet when he became Secretary of State despite his authorship of the Declaration of Independence.

He had been out of the country for several years as ambassador to France.

He returned in 1789 and became involved in domestic affairs.

He had a passionate concern for individual rights which led him to press for a Bill of Rights.

Multi-TalentedMulti-Talented

He would become the nation’s third President and was one of the nation’s most gifted public speakers.

He was also a planter, lawyer, diplomat, writer, inventor, and violinist.

University of VirginiaUniversity of Virginia

He made contributions to philosophy, mathematics, agriculture, linguistics, and archaeology.

He founded the University of Virginia

MonticelloMonticello

He loved architecture and built several homes for himself including Monticello located in Charlottesville, Virginia.

John F. KennedyJohn F. Kennedy

While hosting a supper at the White House for Nobel Prize winners. Kennedy joked that his guests were the greatest gathering of talent ever to dine in the building, except when Thomas Jefferson ate there alone.

Why Jefferson?Why Jefferson?

Jefferson preferred the life of a gentleman planter. He knew slavery was wrong but could only bring himself to free a few of his slaves.

Washington chose him due to his experience with France, our closest ally.

However, Jefferson never fully trusted the new government and would become one of Washington’s harshest critics.

PrecedentPrecedent

Every decision,, every action, and every inaction by Washington’s administration established precedents.

Something done or said that becomes an example, rule or tradition to be followed.

Washington was aware of the precedents he was setting, and worked to establish a tone of dignity.

George WashingtonGeorge Washington

He was intensely private and believed that pomp was necessary to command the respect of the American public and the rest of the world.

Second TermSecond Term

The office of President was created with Washington in mind. He took office at age 57.

His first term progressed smoothly and he was unanimously reelected in 1792.

However, Washington’s pro-British foreign policy caused some to believed he was leading America away from the ideals of the revolution.

Jefferson resigned as secretary of state in 1793.

Third Term?Third Term?

Offended and tired, in 1796, Washington refused to run for a third term.

Thus setting a precedent observed by Presidents until FDR.

Washington died in 1799 at age 63. He was remembered for his steadfast service to his nation rather than the conflicts of his Presidency.

Planning a Capital CityPlanning a Capital City

NY City was home to the new government during Washington’s first year 1789.

In 1790, the capital was moved to Philadelphia .

The Residence Act of 1790 specified the capital would be a 10-square-mile stretch of land of the Potomac River near Washington’s home at Mount Vernon.

District of ColumbiaDistrict of Columbia

The city would be situated on the Maryland-Virginia border and be governed by federal authorities, not by either state.

It was to be called the District of Columbia. The city was renamed Washington, District of Columbia after Washington’s death.

Benjamin BannekerBenjamin Banneker

Banneker was appointed to survey the city at Jefferson’s suggestion.

He was an African American Mathematician and inventor.

Pierre-Charles L’EnfantPierre-Charles L’Enfant

A French artist and architect developed the city plan. He had fought for the U.S. during the Revolution. He created elegant European style plans for the city, White

House, and Capitol Building.

The CapitalThe Capital

The federal government moved to the District in 1800 before the plans were fully realized.

Capital refers to the city.Capitol refers to the specific building.To this day, no building in the District of

Columbia may be taller than the Capitol.