Shannon+-+GW+-+SP13

Name: George Washington Birth and Death Date: February 22, 1732-December 14, 1799 Political Party: Federalist Date of Terms: April 30, 1789- March 4, 1797 Vice President: John Adams Rating: A
 * Thematic Content**

Slavery divided the United States of America for over a century. This institution was strengthened during George Washington’s administration. The Fugitive Slave Law of 1793 allowed a slave owner to bring his escaped slave to court and prove ownership. In return, the slave was forced to be retaken. Anyone hiding a fugitive slave was forced a five-hundred dollar penalty, a hefty fine during the time. This law strengthened slavery because Northerners were prevented from trying to help the slaves to safety. The government had chosen a side that favored the South. The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney, is an automated machine that separates the cotton seeds from the cotton fibers. This machine allowed for faster and more cotton production. One could think that this would cause slavery to decrease. The cotton gin produced much more cotton, making cotton a major export of the South and allowed Southern economies to thrive. Since farmers could finally live off of cotton, they produced bigger cotton fields, requiring more slaves. Therefore, more slaves were being brought into the nation, yet no body could do anything about it, unless they wanted to pay a fine. At the end of George Washington’s second term, slavery had increased and was harder to end.


 * Thesis**

George Washington earns an “A” for his actions as president. He did not let only his opinion control his decisions and consulted with his cabinet on a regular basis. This allowed for a more balanced approach to issues. Washington surrounded himself with people of similar and different views on government and its purpose. Washington used the Militia Act of 1792 to calm rebellions. This demonstrated that the federal government would use force when necessary to enforce the law. Washington was not out of line when using this to control rebellions. The nation was young and weak and could not afford having uprising. This also caused Washington to have a cautious approach to foreign affairs. When the British and French were at it again, Washington did not choose a side and fight because he knew the nation was too weak and probably could not afford going into another war. America was still paying off its debts from the Revolutionary War and would not be able to survive another war and its massive debts. This earns Washington and his administration an “A”.


 * Goals**

George Washington’s main goals were to make sure the government obeyed the Constitution and that the people’s voice was being heard. For the most part, Washington met his goals. No branch of government was gaining too much power during his terms. The people’s voice was being heard, but wasn’t always listened to. Throughout Washington’s first inaugural speech, he mentions God and His influence a lot. George Washington did not consider himself as being in control of the control of the nation. He relied on God to bring prosperity and good times to the country. In the late eighteenth century, religion was a major influence on everyone. While there is technically a separation of church and state, religion is going to influence the decisions people make. That being said, Washington pleased the people by allowing his religious beliefs to influence some of his decisions. He states that the Invisible Hand, not him, practically controls the destiny of the young nation.


 * Relationship with Congress**

The 1st Congress to the 2nd Congress had a majority of pro-administration members, also known as Federalist, in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The 3rd and 4th Congress was then divided; Democratic-Republicans, anti-administration members, taking control of the House of Representatives while the Federalists remain in control of the Senate. Washington had a good relationship with Congress. He surrounded himself with people of different beliefs. Alexander Hamilton was a Federalist and was appointed as Secretary of Treasury. Thomas Jefferson was a Democratic-Republican and was appointed as Secretary of State. This led to having a well-rounded government that could pass bipartisanship legislature. Congress had major success in passing bill. In fact, only two bills were vetoed in Washington’s two terms; Apportionment Bill and a bill to amend military establishment. None of the vetoes were overridden. Washington proved that he would use his Executive power to make sure the Legislative branch was not stepping out of line. Congress passed a good amount legislature, making George Washington and his administration successful.


 * Positive Event**

From 1791 to 1794 citizens in western Pennsylvania rebelled against a new tax, the Whiskey Tax. The tax forced them to pay more money if they used left over grain or corn for whiskey. Alexander Hamilton developed the idea to help pay off war debts. Citizens used violence and intimidation to try to stop federal officers from collecting taxes. The young nation could not handle rebellions at the time. Washington showed that these rebellions were unnecessary and he kept control of the nation. This shows he had a backbone and used power when necessary. Washington did not often use his high position and governmental power to overrule or control the people. He heard the people, and looked out for what the people wanted, but also understood that the common good of the nation came before what a few individuals wanted.


 * Negative Event**

The Whiskey Tax also had negative influences. This event is negative because it shows how even though everyone fought for their independence from England, they were still weak and had a fear of the government receiving too much power. Washington sent out troops to control the rebellions, but there was never a confrontation. This enforced that the government could control the nation when things were getting out of hand.


 * Influence on Future Presidents**

George Washington was the first president, so every decision he made would influence future presidents. When Washington decided two terms was enough every president, up until Franklin Roosevelt, followed the two term idea. How he interpreted some things in the Constitution would be followed for presidents to come. Washington showed that sometimes force was necessary in order to attain a safe nation. He proved that people with different ideological beliefs could work together and achieve great things. Washington most definitely had the greatest influence on future presidents.


 * Conclusion**

Washington and his administration earned an “A” by considering others opinions, which led to a well-rounded government, protecting the weak, young nation, and setting an extremely good and well-respected example for centuries to come. No horrible or dangerous legislature or decisions came out of the government during Washington’s time in office. There was an immense amount of pressure coming from in and out of the country for Washington to make a good foundation for the nation, which he handled extremely well. His leadership skills led our nation into prosperity. Therefore an “A” is a perfect rating.


 * Bibliography**

"4th United States Congress." //Wikipedia//. Wikimedia Foundation, 02 Jan. 2013. Web. 02 Feb. 2013. .

Beschloss, Michael, and Hugh Sidey. "George Washington." //The White House//. White House Historical Association, n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2013. .

"Civil War Trust." //Civil War History: How the Cotton Gin Contributed to the Civil War//. Civil War Trust, n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013.

"George Washington." 2013. The Biography Channel website. Jan 29 2013 http://www.biography.com/people/george-washington-9524786.

"George Washington." //George Washington//. Google, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2013. .

"The History Place - American Revolution: A New Nation." //The History Place - American Revolution: A New Nation//. The History Place, n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2013. .