Washington: The Precedent President

Washington transfers his personal prestige and authority to the new government

 

Washington set several precedents for future presidents:

 

1. Title: Mr. President

 

2. Visibility of president

     receptions

     dinners

     tours of the country

 

3. Creation of the Cabinet (his personal

     advisors)

     “rules” of Cabinet members:

           no relatives

           no prior committments

           competence

           recognition of prior service

           geographic balance

 

4. Vice Pres. on the outside of government

5. After the Creek Indian Treaty, Senate is

     replaced by Cabinet for advice and

     consent

    

     President is NOT a prime minister

 

6. President initiates foreign affairs

 

7. Isolation and neutrality of United States

 

8. 2 terms

 

9. Peaceful transfer of power