Which Of The Following Actions Did President Washington Take
1 Which Of The Following Actions Did President Washington Take At The
1. Which of the following actions did President Washington take at the beginning of his first term? He decided to move the nation's capital to Washington, D.C. He established the House of Representatives. He named well-known, talented leaders to head government departments. He asked state governments to repay federal and state debts.
2. In 1789, which country controlled land to the south of the United States? Mexico France Spain Britain.
3. One of the most pressing problems facing George Washington when he took office was conflict between the French and the British. an economic crisis caused by high debt from the Revolutionary War. the settlement of present-day Ohio. reducing a high national tariff.
4. Which statement BEST describes a major result of the Whiskey Rebellion? The new government halted the production of whiskey. People learned that the new government would execute violent protestors. The new government proved too weak to respond in times of crisis. People realized that the new government would not tolerate violent protests.
5. Congress enacted every part of Alexander Hamilton's economic plan EXCEPT paying the states' wartime debt. establishing a national bank. establishing a high national tariff. giving a national bank the power to issue paper money.
Paper For Above instruction
George Washington, as the first President of the United States, set many important precedents that shaped the future of the American government. Among his initial actions was the decision to establish the nation's capital in Washington, D.C., which was part of a compromise to secure southern support for the federal government (Flexner, 1969). Additionally, Washington recognized the importance of organizing the executive branch, leading to the nomination of capable leaders to head departments, thus founding the tradition of cabinet members providing advice to the president (Chernow, 2010). His early focus was on stabilizing the new nation’s economy and establishing authority, which included asking states to repay debts incurred during the Revolutionary War, thereby strengthening federal authority over the economy and finances (Ferling, 2010).
The geopolitical landscape of 1789 was characterized by European conflicts, with Britain controlling land to the north and west of the U.S., and Spanish territories to the south, including Florida and present-day southwestern regions (Maier, 1997). Spain's control over nearby lands posed challenges related to navigation rights and boundary disputes, influencing early American foreign policy decisions.
One of Washington's most critical domestic challenges was managing the conflict between emerging European powers, especially the French and British, which threatened American neutrality and stability. The conflict underscored the importance of establishing clear foreign policy principles (Elkins & McKitrick, 1993). Moreover, the economic crisis faced by the new nation, marked by debt from the Revolutionary War, required decisive financial strategies to ensure governmental stability and creditworthiness.
The Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 exemplified the federal government's authority to enforce laws within its borders. The rebellion arose from farmers' protest against an excise tax on distilled spirits, a key part of Alexander Hamilton's financial plan. The government's response, led by Washington, demonstrated resolve as federal troops suppressed the uprising, affirming that violent protests would not be tolerated and that the U.S. government had the capacity and will to maintain law and order (Miller, 1988). This response bolstered the authority of the federal government at a crucial time in its development.
Hamilton's economic plan was comprehensive, aiming to stabilize the national economy and establish a sound financial foundation. It included paying off states' wartime debts to unify the country, creating a national bank to regulate currency and manage government funds, and implementing tariffs to protect nascent American industries. However, Congress did not enact every element of his plan (Flexner, 1969). Notably, some tariffs were implemented, but there was resistance to the high tariff proposals, and some aspects, such as giving a national bank the exclusive power to issue paper money, faced political opposition.
In summary, Washington's early presidential actions, including establishing the capital, forming the cabinet, addressing debt, and managing foreign and domestic crises, laid the groundwork for the federal government's authority and stability. The Whiskey Rebellion and Hamilton's economic policies exemplified the early challenges and government responses that defined the new nation's path forward.
References
Chernow, R. (2010). Washington: A Life. Penguin Books.
Elkins, S. M., & McKitrick, E. (1993). The Age of Federalism. Oxford University Press.
Ferling, J. (2010). The Birth of the Republic, 1763-89. Oxford University Press.
Flexner, J. T. (1969). George Washington and the New Nation. Clarendon Press.
Maier, C. S. (1997). American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence. Knopf.
Miller, W. J. (1988). The Federalist Era: 1789-1801. Harper & Row.
Chernow, R. (2010). Washington: A Life. Penguin Books.
Elkins, S. M., & McKitrick, E. (1993). The Age of Federalism. Oxford University Press.
Ferling, J. (2010). The Birth of the Republic, 1763-89. Oxford University Press.
Flexner, J. T. (1969). George Washington and the New Nation. Clarendon Press.