Question

Read the excerpt from “George Washington.” 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. Which is the central idea in this excerpt?

Answer 1

The central idea is Washington's insistence on a neutral foreign policy, balancing the pro-French and pro-British cabinet influences and focusing on strengthening the United States.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central idea in the excerpt from “George Washington” is that George Washington pursued a neutral foreign policy during the conflicts between France and England, despite the divided advice from his cabinet members. Specifically, Washington did not fully side with either his pro-French Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, or his pro-British Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton. Instead, Washington insisted on neutrality to avoid entanglement in European conflicts and to allow the United States to grow stronger.

Answer 2

George Washington decided to stay neutral when the French Revolution led to a major war between France and England