Washington is often touted by historians as one of our best presidents. What qualities and policies make for a "good" or a "bad" president? What precedents established by Washington influenced later American politics and politicians? Which of these precedents do we still follow? Who had the better plan for the nation's future, Alexander Hamilton or Thomas Jefferson? Explain. What were the early presidents' views on foreign affairs? Washington argued that the president could withhold information from the public in the interest of national security. Explain why you agree or disagree with this view. What do you see overall as the early president's best and worst influences on early U.S. government?