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Jon Altland PD 3 **__George Washington__** February 22, 1732- December 14, 1797 Terms of Office- 1789-1792 and 1792- 1797 Vice President- John Adams (1789-17970) Political Party- none

There have been many good leaders of the United States, but George Washington may have been one of the best. George Washington, “Father of our Country” deserves an A for his role as the first leader of this great nation. He deserves this grade because he moved the capital to its current location, decreased war debts, created unity in the country, and set the stage for all of the presidents to come. There were however, some things that occurred during his presidency that created some conflict. One such problem was choosing neutrality in the war between France and England. **__Goals__** Being the first president of the United States, George knew that he would have to create the mold for presidents to come. He did a good job with this goal because he was very conscious of his manner and of staying away from the things that America found tyrannical about Britain. He also wanted to get rid of some of the war debts left over from the Revolutionary War. To meet this goal, Washington employed the help of the National Treasurer, Alexander Hamilton, who suggested introducing an excise tax. This tax didn’t go over to well with many of the citizens. In western Pennsylvania, especially angry citizens decided to rebel against the tax. Washington was worried that this might threaten the unity of the nation, so he used the Militia Act of 1792 to gather nearby troops. He then personally led them to crush the Rebellion. He was also intent on moving the capital to somewhere along the Potomac River. To accomplish this goal, Washington passed a piece of legislature called the Residence Act of 1790, which authorized the president to move the capital. After that, he sent out three surveyors to survey and buy the land along the Potomac River that the new capital would be constructed on. Another of Washington’s goals was to create and keep national unity. To help with this, Washington toured the New England and Southern states in the late 80’s and early 90’s. **__Relationship With Congress__** Throughout his first term, George Washington had little trouble with his congress or Cabinet. However, early in Washington’s second term, the French and English War broke out. There were many Anti-Federalists in congress called Jeffersonians, that thought that the U.S. should aid the French. Washington strongly disagreed however, and opted to keep the U.S. neutral. This enraged the Jeffersonians, and tore the congress in two. These two factions, are the early ancestors of today’s political parties. Some key legislature that was passed while Washington’s congress was in session, was the Residence Act of 1790. This was the legislature that enabled Washington to move the capital. However, Washington used the Nation’s first veto on the Apportioned Bill of 1792. This bill dealt with the number of state representatives, and their correlation to a state’s population. **__Most important Action__** George Washington did many great things throughout his eight year reign. One such great action, was imposing the excise tax to help pay for war debts. When trouble arose, he stayed cool-headed and employed the use of the Militia Act to gain a military force capable of dealing with the Whiskey Rebellion. Not only did he create the means with which to deal with the unhappy citizens, he also personally led the task force to crush the rebellion. On the opposite end of the scale however, Washington also did some things that created some turmoil within his growing country. For example, knowing that his country needed to stay united at all cost, Washington may have been better off giving the French aid instead of choosing to not get involved with the French and English War. **__Most Influential Decision for Future Administrations__** George Washington made many important decisions over his two terms as president, but the one that probably affected future presidents the most, was passing the Residence Act. This enabled him to move the capital to its current location. Although he didn’t live in the White House during his two terms as president, he was the only president not to do so. Washington’s successor John Adams moved in with his wife Abigail, and it has been the honored home of the President ever since. Other presidents have made influential decisions, but this one that George Washington made, has influenced all presidents in a very profound way. **__Conclusion__** George Washington started the United States off on the right foot with his presidency, and the country was definitely better off after his two terms. Washington set the stage for all of this nation’s great leaders. He was the ultimate role model. He also helped to decrease the deep war debt the country was in after the Revolutionary War. He traveled the country striving to keep it united and created a home for all of the Nation’s future presidents. So in conclusion, even though Washington did have some dividedness within his congress, he deserves an A for being all of his great deeds, being the first president, and enabling this great nation to sprout wings and fly.

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