George Washington's Failures

George Washington had many roles throughout his life: planter, army general, statesman, and husband. In the end, however, his time as President of the United States proved to be his most challenging role. Although Washington had little desire to govern the new republic and continuously doubted his ability, he also knew that he was the only person the American people trusted enough to act as their leader. During his time as president, George Washington encountered many challenges, including establishing a new system of government, facing enormous financial debt from the War of Independence, and disagreement about how to proceed with regards to foreign policy and domestic conflicts. The first momentous task facing the president was establishing

The most heated arguments of Washington 's presidency revolved around the extent of presidential power. The first matter of debate centered around the president 's ability to remove as well as appoint appointees. The Congress was cautious and several members argued that while some powers could be securely entrusted to Washington, his predecessors might not be so honorable. James Madison, among others, disagreed. He reasoned that if the president did not have the power to remove appointees, without the consent of the Senate, they had the potential to serve for life, as the only other way of removing them was through the impeachment process.4 In the end, the independent removal power of the president passed the House, albeit

After discussing it at length, the Congress decided that three main departments were needed, although more would ultimately be added: The Department of Foreign Affairs (later renamed The State Department), The War Department, and the Treasury Department.7 For secretary of war, Washington appointed Henry Knox, a fellow general from the Revolutionary War. As Secretary of State, he ultimately chose Thomas Jefferson, although his first choice was John Jay, who would become Chief Justice. Finally, as secretary of the treasury, he chose Alexander Hamilton.8 Washington 's choice of Hamilton was particularly crucial, as he was entrusting him with the major task of resolving the new republic 's