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Washington had set an important precedent when he attained the power to
appoint and dismiss his own department heads. Without this example, Congress
could sneak behind the President’s authority and allow unwanted department heads
to stay in office against the President’s wishes. Washington was ecstatic about
forming his cabinet, and he and his advisers acted with exceptional energy.
Washington was well equipped for the work of building a structure of
administration. He had a talent for fusing together his plans and actions to get
adequate results. First, he acquired the necessary facts, which he weighed
carefully. Once he had reached a decision, he carried it out with vitality and
tenacity. He was never lazy in making decisions for his country. He always acted
promptly and decisively. Thorough, systematic, accurate, and, being attentive to
detail also described his personality. He expected the same enthusiasm from
every one in his administration. On September 24, 1789, Washington passed The
Judiciary Act, which set up a federal court system. Its basic features were
provided for by the Constitution. Since the president is considered the chief
enforcer of federal laws, it is his duty to prosecute cases before the federal
courts. In this work his agent is the attorney general.
The Judiciary Act of
1789 planned so well, that most of its essential features have survived until
today. Washington believed strongly in the constitutional demand that the
executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government should be kept
as separate as possible. Washington did not use his charisma or office to
influence legislative debates. He thought that the President should not try to
control the kinds of laws that Congress passed. However, he believed that if he
disapproved of a bill, he had the right to veto it. Washington believed that the
president’s duties were to administer the laws of Congress and supervise
relations with other countries. George Washington was the first true pioneer of
the newly born United States of America. He helped shape this country to its
Democratic perfection today. During his double termed presidency, he ran the
country with poise and dignity. It is no wonder that Henry Lee uttered that
famous epitaph: “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his
countrymen.”
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