Washington's Legacy: Precedents and Principles

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Election

After the American Revolution ended in 1783, it took six years before the first U.S. President was elected in 1789.

• Why the delay?

Because the U.S. had an entirely different Constitution at first — one that didn’t even include a president.

Having just shaken off the British monarchy, Americans were cautious about creating a strong central government.

• Who could they trust to be the first leader under the new Constitution?

George Washington was the obvious choice. As the victorious General in the Revolution and a Virginian — then the most populous state — Washington’s fame and background made him the ideal candidate.

In the first election, he was unanimously elected with all 69 electoral votes.

First Term

Washington knew that everything he did would set a precedent. He famously wrote the following.

"I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent."

• What kind of President did Washington want to be?

First, he decided on a simple title: Mr. President. No royal titles, just a humble nod to democracy.

Washington appointed a diverse Cabinet, including Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton — men with very different political beliefs. Despite his wish to avoid political parties, his choices laid the groundwork for the emerging Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties.

Relations With Native Tribes

When Washington took office, other countries didn’t fully recognize the United States as a legitimate nation.

To help change that, Washington entered treaties with Native American tribes. These treaties acknowledged their land rights and, in return, recognized the U.S. as a sovereign state.

This strategy also made the frontier less dangerous, allowing the young nation to grow.

Tariff of 1789

The U.S. had a big problem: debt from the Revolution.

• But how to raise money without unpopular taxes?

Washington’s answer was the Tariff of 1789, a tax on imported goods. This provided income and encouraged Americans to buy domestic products, helping the U.S. become more self-reliant.

Whiskey Rebellion

However, the tariff alone wasn’t enough, so the government taxed whiskey. This led to the Whiskey Rebellion, with protests erupting in places like Pittsburgh.

Washington tried diplomacy first but eventually sent the military to restore order. He even led troops personally, showing the strength of the new government.

Second Term

Initially, Washington planned to serve only one term because he wanted to retire and set a responsible precedent of only serving four years.

However, after the Whiskey Rebellion, he realized the country needed stability and agreed to a second term.

During this term, he faced a major international crisis: the French Revolution. With France and Britain at war, Washington had to decide whether to help France, who aided the U.S. in its own Revolution, or stay neutral.

Washington chose neutrality, leading to Jay’s Treaty with Britain. This was controversial, especially with Jefferson, but it kept the U.S. out of war and cemented its place as an independent nation.

Farewell Address

In his Farewell Address, Washington offered advice that would resonate for generations. He warned against political parties and foreign alliances, urging Americans to stay united.

Watch the following video to review what you have learned about Washington's precedent-setting presidency.

As you move into the Got It? section, continue thinking about Washington's role as a precedent-setter.