Dates in Office: 1789-1797
Important Information:
- Pursued two intertwined interests: military arts and western expansion
- Unanimously elected by the Electoral College, when the new Constitution was ratified.
- When the French Revolution led to a major war, Washington insisted upon being neutral until the U.S. could grow stronger.
- Two parties formed at the end of his presidency, to his disapproval.
- Established the cabinet & set precedence for how the roles would interact with the presidency.
- Put an end to the Whiskey Rebellion by using military force.
Key Legislation During Washington's Presidency
Judiciary Act of 1789
Established a 6-member Supreme Court and the position of Attorney General
Naturalization Act of 1790
Established rules to be followed in granting national citizenship
Residence Act of 1790
Directed that the permanent federal capital be positioned along the Potomac River near Georgetown - the future Washington DC.
Copyright Act of 1790
The first federal copyright legislation designed to encourage the “encouragement of learning.”
Bank Act of 1791
Created the First Bank of the United States
Excise Tax on Whiskey 1791
This measure levied a federal tax on domestic and imported alcohol, earmarked to offset a portion of the federal government’s recent assumption of state debts. This highly unpopular tax led to the Whiskey Rebellion.
Coinage Act of 1792
Created the United States Mint and the Dollar as our official currency
Militia Acts of 1792
Two acts that allowed the President to call out the militia when threatened by foreign or domestic threats and created a more uniform and regulated militia structure.
Fugitive Slave Act of 1793
Made it a federal crime to assist an escaping slave and created a system that would return escaped slaves to their masters.
Naval Act of 1794
Ordered that six frigates be built (ex. USS Constitution) and created the United States Navy.
Learn more
Judiciary Act of 1789
Established a 6-member Supreme Court and the position of Attorney General
Naturalization Act of 1790
Established rules to be followed in granting national citizenship
Residence Act of 1790
Directed that the permanent federal capital be positioned along the Potomac River near Georgetown - the future Washington DC.
Copyright Act of 1790
The first federal copyright legislation designed to encourage the “encouragement of learning.”
Bank Act of 1791
Created the First Bank of the United States
Excise Tax on Whiskey 1791
This measure levied a federal tax on domestic and imported alcohol, earmarked to offset a portion of the federal government’s recent assumption of state debts. This highly unpopular tax led to the Whiskey Rebellion.
Coinage Act of 1792
Created the United States Mint and the Dollar as our official currency
Militia Acts of 1792
Two acts that allowed the President to call out the militia when threatened by foreign or domestic threats and created a more uniform and regulated militia structure.
Fugitive Slave Act of 1793
Made it a federal crime to assist an escaping slave and created a system that would return escaped slaves to their masters.
Naval Act of 1794
Ordered that six frigates be built (ex. USS Constitution) and created the United States Navy.
Learn more