TCI 11.1 Launching the New Government

TCI 11.1 Launching the New Government

Martha Washington, on the left, held tea parties on Friday evenings at the presidential mansion in New York City. At these parties, people could discuss important issues with President Washington, shown near the center.

On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath of office as the first president of the United States.  After his inauguration, Washington addressed both houses of Congress and asked them to work with him to put into place “the wise measures on which the success of this government must depend. ” At times, his hands shook so much that he had trouble reading his speech.

The Debate over Washington's Title

Washington had reason to be nervous because the first Congress was deeply divided. Some members were eager to build a strong national government, while others were just as eager to limit the power of the new government. These differences showed up immediately in a debate over what title to use when addressing the president.

Vice President John Adams pointed out that European heads of government had titles like “Your Excellency” that showed respect for their office. The president, he argued, should have a similar title. Supporters of a strong national government agreed.

Multiple Choice

What issue divided the first Congress as the nation launched the new government?

• How large the cabinet should be under George Washington.

• Where George Washington's Igauration should take place.

• Some members of Congress were eager to build a strong national government while others wanted to limit the power of the new government.

Others argued that such titles smelled of royalty and had no place in a democracy.  A few members of Congress joked that the rather plump Adams should be given the title “His Rotundity” (His Roundness).   The debate finally ended when Washington let it be known that he preferred the simple title “Mr. President.”

Setting Up the Executive Branch

 Next, Congress turned to the task of creating executive departments. As Washington had feared, arguments broke out at once over what those departments should be and what powers they should have.

Congress eventually approved three departments.  The heads of the executive departments came to be known as the president's cabinet.

• The Department of State was set up to handle relations with other countries. (Thomas Jefferson)

• The Department of War was established to defend the nation. (Henry Knox)

•  The Treasury Department was set up to oversee the nation's finances. (Alexander Hamilton)

• Congress also created an attorney general to serve as the president's legal adviser

• and a postmaster general to head the postal system.

Multiple Choice

What is the correct definition for the term cabinet?

• handles relations with other countries

• helps defend the nation

• a group of advisers to the president

• the president's legal adviser

• leads department responsible for delivering mail

Multiple Choice

What is the correct definition Department of War?

• handles relations with other countries

• helps defend the nation

• a group of advisers to the president

• the president's legal adviser

• leads department responsible for delivering mail

Multiple Choice

What is the correct definition Department of State?

• handles relations with other countries

• helps defend the nation

• a group of advisers to the president

• the president's legal adviser

• leads department responsible for delivering mail

Multiple Choice

What is the correct definition postmaster general?

• handles relations with other countries

• helps defend the nation

• a group of advisers to the president

• the president's legal adviser

• leads department responsible for delivering mail

Multiple Choice

What is the correct definition Treasury Department?

• handles relations with other countries

• helps defend the nation

• oversees the nation's finances

• the president's legal adviser

• leads department responsible for delivering mail

Multiple Choice

What is the correct definition Attorney General?

• handles relations with other countries

• helps defend the nation

• oversees the nation's finances

• the president's legal adviser

• leads department responsible for delivering mail