George Washington was 57 years-old when he became the first U.S. President. He took the oath of office on April 30, 1789. Washington knew that the precedents he established as the nation's first president would shape the future of the U.S. For instance, he chose the title of, "Mr. President," he chose the first Cabinet members: Thomas Jefferson was Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, Henry Knox as Secretary of War, Edmund Randolph as Attorney General and John Adams was the Vice President. The President was given powers to dismiss cabinet officers without Senate's approval. The Judiciary Act of 1789 established a federal court system. Federal courts had the power to reverse state decisions. John Jay becomes the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. African American Benjamin Banneker designs Washington, DC. In 1791, Congress ratified the first 10 amendments - known as the Bill of Rights -to the Constitution. The first president concentrated mainly on foreign affairs & military matters leaving much of the government's economic policies to Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton's plans faced opposition & led to the Whiskey Rebellion in PA. We looked at the struggle over western lands and the Treaty of Greenville. Shortly after Washington's inauguration, the French Revolution began. Then Britain & France go to war in 1793. Washington encouraged neutrality in these conflicts. We discussed Washington's Farewell in 1796.