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GLOBALIZATION By Matt Thomas __ George Washington __ Feb. 22, 1732 – Dec. 14 1799 Federalist April 30, 1789 – April 4, 1797 Vice President: John Adams George Washington’s terms in office rightfully deserve an A for their neutrality, law enforcement, and efficiency. Washington surrounded himself with able-minded advisors and took the best possible action for his young nation. His administration failed to earn the A+ for a few minor negative outcomes, but nonetheless, Washington turned a rag-tag group of militia into a prospering young nation and defended it until it was able to stand with the great nations of its time. The first point Washington made in his inaugural address was not one of a direct point of focus in his administration, but rather a general promise to uphold the principles of the newly formed constitution and lead the country to the best of his ability. Washington followed through on this vow remarkably well. He stepped in to enforce his laws while still managing to keep his country’s legs underneath her. Washington also vowed to not let himself lose focus or get misguided while serving his nation. He fulfilled this promise even more fully. Washington was a man of few (but meaningful) words. He was direct and to the point. He was focused on the task of forming a young nation and he took that responsibility very seriously. Seeing as Washington was the first president, it was hit or miss with Congress. There was little gray area when it comes to establishing a power of that magnitude. But, not surprisingly, Washington started off on good terms. Both he and his cabinet were very involved in Congressional affairs despite the belief of Congress in the separation of powers. In return, Washington saw no need to use his executive veto authority because of his trust in the Congress and Congress had confidence in Washington to uphold his principles and standards. Although Congress did not always see eye to eye with him, Washington had a positive relationship with the legislature throughout his terms. The most positive decision of Washington’s administration had to be his Proclamation of Neutrality. Although he was criticized for his stance on the conflict in Europe, Washington knew that his young nation needed to grow and become strong before it could involve itself in the drama of the European powers such as England and France. Washington was not going to let the fear of criticism stop him from doing the right thing for the nation he was unanimously chosen to lead. His decision to stay removed from the conflict spared the young America the strife of another long and expensive war. The most negative decision Washington made during his time in office was the signing of Jay’s Treaty. This treaty with England was very controversial in young America. Jeffersonians strongly opposed this agreement, with good reason. Although this treaty made for better relations with England, it allowed them to take any former Englishmen from an American ship and force him into the Royal Navy. This was not a smart move by the administration. One event during Washington’s time in office that affected future administrations was Pinckney’s Treaty. This agreement with Spain settled the areas of conflict with America’s southern neighbor. The border of Florida and Georgia was set at the 31st parallel and American ships were granted permission to use the Mississippi River from its source to the port of New Orleans. This trade was invaluable to an early America and left future administrations with more cards to play on later occasions. It is clear that Washington and his administration took hold of the infant America and protected her until she could grow into a self sustaining and noteworthy nation. George Washington maintained poise and focus throughout his time in office, not letting a single thing go by him unnoticed or unaccounted for. This diligence, paired with his competent cabinet, was what made him able to handle the many predicaments that the developing nation through at him. Without George Washington as the first president, the United States of America would not be anything like it has become. With Jay’s Treaty bringing him down only a little, Washington surely earned an A rating during his administration. Works Cited DeGregorio, William A.. //The Complete Book of US President//. Sixth ed. New York: Barricade Books, 2005. Print. "First term - George Washington." //Presidents: A Reference History//. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Sept. 2011. . "George Washington." //Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia//. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Sept. 2011. .