Chapter 8 Section 1 Flashcards
Why did George Washington write that he was walking “on untrodden ground”?
He meant that he was doing a job no one had done before. As the first president, Washington would set precedents about how to use presidential powers.
How did Washington deal with treaty negotiations, since no process was spelled out in the Constitution?
Washington decided to bypass Congress and control treaty negotiations himself. He decided the United States should be neutral in foreign conflicts.
What departments made up Washington’s Cabinet?
The Department of State, the Department of Treasury, and the Department of War each had a leader called a secretary. These secretaries, together with the attorney general, made up President Washington’s Cabinet.
Why did Hamilton think it was crucial for the United States to repay its debts to European nations right away?
Hamilton believed that other countries would help the United States financially only if the United States proved it could be trusted to honor its debts.
What were Jefferson’s and Hamilton’s different visions for the new nation?
Jefferson, a southern farmer, pictured a nation built on agriculture and did not want a strong federal government. Hamilton, on the other hand, pictured the United States as an industrialized nation with a strong central government.
How did Hamilton propose to pay off the national debt?
Hamilton believed he could pay off the national debt by selling off western land and by raising money through tariffs and taxes.
What city was the nation’s capital in 1789?q
New York City
How does the Constitution distribute power between the president and Congress?
Congress makes laws and the president carries them out.
Who did Washington appoint as attorney general?
Edmund Randolph
Who did Washington appoint as Secretary of War?
Henry Knox
How many justices were on the first Supreme Court?
six justices – one Chief Justice & five associate justices
Who did Washington appoint as Secretary of State?
Thomas Jefferson
What does the Constitution say about the creation of a National Bank?
It does not say anything about this topic at all.
What unique difficulty did George Washington face as the first president of the United States?
He had to largely invent the role of president and set an example for future presidents.
What was Alexander Hamilton’s role when George Washington was president?
As Secretary of the Treasury in President Washington’s cabinet, Hamilton managed the government’s money.
