The Success Of George Washington s Administration

George Washington was the first President of the United States, tackling a difficult job in putting the country s government together. Washington was very successful in running the country, setting a precedent for the future presidents of the United States. He helped to organize the country into a nation with a powerful and organized government that supplied the laws and enforcements that the country needed to survive. He also remained neutral in foreign affairs that may have led to the demise of the young and weak United States if a side had been chosen.

The people of the United States had a generally good picture of Washington as a successful President. After he served two terms, he was urged to run a third time, but he declined. Washington filled in the holes left in the Constitution by passing the Bill of Rights, the Judiciary Act, and the Mint Act. The United States became more unified, developing a national currency, a strong central government, and a judicial branch that prevents corruption by having higher courts to appeal to. Washington kept the trust of the people, touring the Northeast in 1789 and the South in 1791. He appealed to the wants and needs of the citizens, moving the capital of the nation to the District of Columbia in 1793 to please the Southerners. Washington ordered troops to stop the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794, proving to the nation that the government had more power than during the time of the Articles of Confederation. Even following his presidency, he set a standard for what he viewed to be a good government in his Farewell Address. He urged his countrymen to steer clear of political parties and to remain neutral in times of foreign wars and conflicts.

Washington succeeded in protecting the country from outside conflicts and dangers during his presidency. Although many disagreed with his foreign policies, he insisted on being neutral in the conflict between France and England. This policy protected the country from two of the most powerful countries in the world. During Washington s terms, the country was still young and inexperienced, without a navy or army powerful enough or organized enough to fight a war. Through negotiating, Washington saved the United States from developing enemies abroad.

Washington s presidency shaped a young but potentially good government for the generations to come. He kept everything in order within the country while still providing protection from foreign countries. He succeeded in developing a government that had power, but not enough power to become corrupt, based on the Constitution. In Washington s Farewell Address, he gives advice to his successors with the words, Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion, and morality are indispensible supports.... Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. In this statement, Washington gives the young nation advice to become prosperous and to succeed as a country to be looked up to by all the nations of the world.