Constitutional Connections
The Creation of a Presidential Cabinet
Section of Constitution
Article II - The Executive Branch
Section 1. The executive power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America. He shall hold his Office during the Term of four years, and, together with the Vice President, chosen for the same term, be elected, as follows....
Constitutional Principle
Class Connection
After the gov’t was all set up, Washington was elected to be the first President. He was cautious, knowing he was setting precedents for the future [ex. the Cabinet, the State of the Union Address, no big title for President, President not using veto power often].
On page #86 your Constitution include the words "Unwritten Constitution" and highlight Washington's first cabinet.
Keep in mind this is considered a important precedent in the early years of Constitution. The Cabinet included GW’s Cabinet : Alexander Hamilton(Treasury), Thomas Jefferson (State), Henry Knox (War), and Edmund Randolph (Attorney General ). These executive department heads were also his chief advisers.
The Concept Tested
#1 What were two key precedents established by George Washington during his presidency?
(1) Aid to farmers and the end of the slave trade
(2) Universal male suffrage and support for political parties
(3) Foreign policy of neutrality and the use of presidential advisors
(4) Protective tariffs and foreign alliances during peacetime