Practice Quiz: Breaking Washington's Policies
Test key shifts in early American governance
Study Outcomes
- Analyze key events that influenced a departure from George Washington's policies.
- Evaluate the ideological differences among early American political figures.
- Identify actions that signaled a break with established national policies.
- Assess the impact of these actions on the evolution of early American governance.
- Compare contrasting responses to Washington's leadership in the early republic.
Quiz: Action that Broke Washington Policy? Cheat Sheet
- No permanent foreign alliances - In his Farewell Address, George Washington urged the young United States to steer clear of lifelong pacts with foreign powers, keeping us out of European drama and costly wars. This advice reinforced a focus on domestic growth and independent decision‑making. Learn more
- Voluntary military resignation - In 1783, Washington surprised the world by resigning his commission as Commander in Chief, demonstrating that civilian authority rules over the military. His act set a global precedent and cemented the principle of civilian control in a democracy. Learn more
- Two‑term presidency tradition - By declining a third term, Washington established the peaceful transfer of power and prevented any hint of monarchy or lifelong rule. This unofficial limit became the standard until it was written into the Constitution in the 22nd Amendment. Learn more
- Federal authority in the Whiskey Rebellion - When frontier farmers revolted against a whiskey tax in 1794, Washington led a militia force to enforce federal law, proving the government could maintain order. His decisive action underscored the strength of the new Constitution and discouraged future insurrections. Learn more
- Beware of political parties - Washington warned that factions could prioritize party over country, sparking division and mistrust. He believed strong teams should rally behind national interests, not narrow agendas. Learn more
- Champion of national unity - In his Farewell Address, Washington stressed that sectionalism - pitting one region against another - threatens the Republic's stability. He encouraged citizens to see themselves first as Americans, not as Northerners or Southerners. Learn more
- Fiscal responsibility matters - Washington warned against piling up national debt and championed a balanced budget to keep the economy robust. He believed financial discipline was key to preserving independence from foreign influence. Learn more
- Proclamation of Neutrality (1793) - By formally declaring neutrality in the war between Britain and France, Washington set a diplomatic course that balanced commerce with peace. This early foreign‑policy move shaped America's stance for decades. Learn more
- Faith and moral virtue - Washington believed religion and morality formed the backbone of a healthy Republic, guiding citizens to ethical behavior and public service. He saw character education as essential to sustaining freedom. Learn more
- Model of peaceful power transfer - Stepping down from the presidency voluntarily was unheard of at the time and showed that leaders can relinquish power with grace. This act inspired emerging democracies worldwide to adopt similar peaceful transitions. Learn more