Chapter 7: Starting a New Nation

George Washington: was ready to retire after the revolution but people believed he would be a great president.

Electoral college: a body of electors who represent the people's vote in choosing the president.

George Washington was selected as president, John Adams became vice president.

Martha Washington: our 1st first lady entertained guests and attended social events with her husband.

Republican Motherhood: the idea that women placed an important role in teaching their children to be good citizens.

This new government will set precedent regarding how the future of the U.S. would be set up.

precedent: an action or decision that later serves as an example.

Congress created departments in the executive branch for different areas of national policy.

Cabinet heads: department heads that advise the president.

Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson

Secretary of Treasury: Alexander Hamilton

Secretary of War: Henry Knox

Attorney General: Edmund Randolph

Judiciary Act of 1789: created three levels of federal courts and defined their powers and relationship to the state courts.

Americans wanted improved trade, free from too many restrictions.

Americans expected the government to protect the and to keep the economy stable.

Most Americans lived in the countryside and worked on farms.

Wanted fair trade laws and the right to settle on western lands. They wanted a hands off government.

Some Americans worked in towns as craftspeople, laborers, or merchants.

Wanted simple trade laws, and laws that would protect them form foreign competitors. They wanted government involvement.

Most cities were small with the exception of New York and Philadelphia.

New York was the first capital of the new nation.

1792: 24 stockholders signed an agreement which became the foundation for the New York Stock Exchange.

New York reflected the potential of the New Nation.