TCI 11.1 Launching the New Government

On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath of office as the first president of the United States.  After his inauguration, Washington addressed both houses of Congress and asked them to work with him to put into place “the wise measures on which the success of this government must depend. ” At times, his hands shook so much that he had trouble reading his speech.

Washington had reason to be nervous because the first Congress was deeply divided. Some members were eager to build a strong national government, while others were just as eager to limit the power of the new government. These differences showed up immediately in a debate over what title to use when addressing the president.

Vice President John Adams pointed out that European heads of government had titles like “Your Excellency” that showed respect for their office. The president, he argued, should have a similar title. Supporters of a strong national government agreed.

Others argued that such titles smelled of royalty and had no place in a democracy.  A few members of Congress joked that the rather plump Adams should be given the title “His Rotundity” (His Roundness).   The debate finally ended when Washington let it be known that he preferred the simple title “Mr. President.”

 Next, Congress turned to the task of creating executive departments. As Washington had feared, arguments broke out at once over what those departments should be and what powers they should have.