Question

What was an important achievement of George Washington's first term of office, 1789-1793?

• A. The establishment of a cabinet to act as advisers.
• B. The purchase of Florida from Spain.
• C. The suppression of a rebellion of Massachusetts farmers.
• D. The passage of the Alien and Sedition Act
• E. The formation of a political party to oppose Alexander Hamilton.

Answer 1

The correct option is A The establishment of a cabinet to act as advisers.

When Washington established a cabinet, he set a precedent that has been followed by all subsequent administrations. Florida (B) did not become part of the United States until 1817 as a result of the Adams-Onis Treaty. In his second administration, Washington put down the Whiskey Rebellion (C) in Pennsylvania. Shays's Rebellion occurred in Massachusetts in 1787 before Washington's first term as president. The Alien and Sedition Acts (D) were passed under John Adams in 1798. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison formed a political party to oppose Hamilton (E). Washington usually supported Hamilton but joined no political party.