The Federalist Era I and II

Who was the first president of the new United States? (a)  

• Thomas Jefferson
• George Washington
• John Adams
• James Monroe

At this time, the U.S. Consitution had been heavily debated in each state's ratifying conventions (meetings).

What year was the Constitution finally ratified (approved)?

• 1776

• 1783

• 1787

• 1788

Answer explanation

Remember... at least 9 out of the 13 original states had to ratify (approve) it.

New Hampshire was the 9th state to do so--- in 1788.

An inauguration is when a new president is officially sworn into office-- it's an official ceremony.

When was George Washington sworn in as the first president AND where did this take place (hint: our nation's FIRST capital)?

• 1776, Philadelphia

• 1787, Baltimore

• 1789, New York City

• 1808, Washington D.C.

Answer explanation

This took place on April 30th at Federal Hall, in New York City.

New York City was our nation's temporary capital at the time

George Washington was the ONLY U.S. president....

• to be elected unanimously (nobody ran against him)

• to have a white horse

• to be a former military general & commander

• originally from Virginia

Answer explanation

George Washington had a stellar reputation by this point.

Everyone, in the new nation, pretty much agreed that he should lead the new nation!

The U.S. Constitution had created a new executive branch (led by the President). Washington knew he would need to establish PRECEDENTS to help guide future executive leaders.

What does the word, PRECEDENT, mean?

• the leader of a nation

• the American economy & commerce (trade)

• something done (or said) that becomes an example for others to follow

• treaties and diplomacy (relationships) with other nations

The first U.S. Congress had already met together the month before Washington was sworn into office.

As promised (to the Anti-Federalists group), what was ADDED to the U.S. Constitution---so it could finally be ratified?

• new clauses (paragraph sections) to make the document longer

• the "We the People" phrase (at the beginning of the document)

• the Bill of Rights (to guarantee the individual rights & liberties of American citizens)

• a new agreement to add more free/non-slave states to the Union (the new country)

Answer explanation

Remember... the Anti-Federalists were against having a central/national government that was TOO strong.

They feared the extension of national gov. powers, which the new Constitution would allow for.

Who is considered the "father of the Constitution" and the primary author of the Bill of Rights?

• Thomas Jefferson

• James Madison

• George Washington

• George Mason

Answer explanation

We call him the "father of the Constitution" because his ideas inspired much of what was eventually included in the document.

And... of course... he wrote the Bill of Rights!

George Washington immediately named leading political figures (well-known people) to manage the various executive departments.

These department heads became known as the president's _________________--> the group of PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORS/HELPERS.

• Team of Justices/Judges

• Cabinet

• Roundtable

• Committee

Answer explanation

Washington's Cabinet group consisted of 4 departments with each "department leader" being called a SECRETARY.

Each secretary was responsible for specific jobs.

What does the CONSTITUTION say about the president having a "Cabinet" of advisors?

• It is required, by law, according to the Constitution

• Nothing official is mentioned about it, in the Constitution

  (it is not "required")

• The Constitution "suggests" that new presidents have a Cabinet group

Answer explanation

Although not specifically required in the Constitution, having a Cabinet is a tradition that was set by Washington which continues to this day. It is one of the most important PRECEDENTS (examples) that he put in place.

Today, the executive branch consists of over 15 different departments (cabinet members).

What position did Alexander Hamilton have in Washington's first Cabinet?

• Secretary of State (in charge of foreign affairs--with other countries)

• Secretary of War

  (in charge of the U.S. military)

• the Attorney General

  (the nation's head lawyer)

• Secretary of the Treasury

  (in charge of the nation's economy & money supply)

Answer explanation

Remember.... Alexander Hamilton had come from a poor background but had made himself wealthy through smart business decisions.

He was a wealthy merchant (and lawyer) from New York and was definitely a "MONEY GUY"!

He's on our $10 bill!