Washington longed to retire to his fields at Mount Vernon. But he soon realized that the Nation under its Articles of Confederation was not functioning well, so he became a prime mover in the steps leading to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1787. When the new Constitution was ratified, the Electoral College unanimously elected Washington President.
He did not infringe upon the policy making powers that he felt the Constitution gave Congress. But the determination of foreign policy became preponderantly a Presidential concern. When the French Revolution led to a major war between France and England, Washington refused to accept entirely the recommendations of either his Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who was pro-French, or his Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, who was pro-British. Rather, he insisted upon a neutral course until the United States could grow stronger. —WhiteHouse.gov
Question
Use the excerpt to answer the question.
Based on evidence from your text, why did Washington reject the advice of both Jefferson and Hamilton and adopt a policy of neutrality?
(1 point)
Responses
The nation could not afford another war so soon after the Revolution.
The nation could not afford another war so soon after the Revolution.
Washington was timid about taking military action.
Washington was timid about taking military action.
Washington feared that war would divide the nation.
Washington feared that war would divide the nation.
Washington was upset over the murder of the French king.
The nation could not afford another war so soon after the Revolution.
"The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none; or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. . . . Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition. . .?"
—George Washington, Farewell Address
Question
Use the excerpt to answer the question.
Which of the following statements best summarizes Washington’s viewpoint on American foreign policy?
(1 point)
Responses
The United States can take advantage of Europe’s ambition.
The United States can take advantage of Europe’s ambition.
The United States should limit interaction with Europe to commerce, or trade.
The United States should limit interaction with Europe to commerce, or trade.
Europe’s interests are similar to those of the United States and should be supported if they are threatened.
Europe’s interests are similar to those of the United States and should be supported if they are threatened.
The United States should stop trying to influence European politics.
The United States should stop trying to influence European politics.
The United States should limit interaction with Europe to commerce, or trade.
Why did Jefferson oppose Hamilton’s plan for creating a national bank? Select all that apply.
(1 point)
Responses
He argued that Congress did not have the constitutional power to establish it.
He argued that Congress did not have the constitutional power to establish it.
He felt a national bank was necessary for the government to collect taxes and pay its bills.
He felt a national bank was necessary for the government to collect taxes and pay its bills.
He believed that it gave the federal government too much power.
He believed that it gave the federal government too much power.
He believed that Americans would protest if it was established.
He believed that Americans would protest if it was established.
He argued that Congress did not have the constitutional power to establish it.
He believed that it gave the federal government too much power.
Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful [harmful, destructive] effects of the spirit of party generally.
This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness [state of being excessive and unpleasant], and is truly their worst enemy. . . .
It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments [stirs up] occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which finds a facilitated [made easier] access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another. . . .
George Washington, Farewell Address
Question
Use the excerpt to answer the question.
What does the excerpt say about Washington’s views on political parties?
(1 point)
Responses
The nation should embrace more than one party so that the government represents different perspectives.
The nation should embrace more than one party so that the government represents different perspectives.
Political parties may lead to unrest in American communities.
Political parties may lead to unrest in American communities.
Leaders of foreign nations could take advantage of different political parties.
Leaders of foreign nations could take advantage of different political parties.
With several political parties, foreign countries would pose less of a threat.