Final answer:
Some army officers suggested to President Washington that he should establish a dictatorship; however, Washington chose to uphold democratic principles instead. Washington expanded presidential power by appointing federal department heads as advisors, forming the Cabinet. His foreign policy focused on territorial integrity, peaceful settlement, and maintaining neutrality in European conflicts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The suggestion made by some army officers to President George Washington while in office was to establish a dictatorship. Washington, however, was committed to the principles of the newly formed republic and ignored these calls, even though they were prompted by frustrations with Congress among the military. Washington upheld the values of democracy and the rule of law.
As for how George Washington expanded the power of the presidency, he appointed the heads of various federal departments as his own advisors. This group would later be known as the President's Cabinet, playing a pivotal role in assisting the President and shaping policy. This action helped in establishing a stronger executive branch, thus expanding the power of the presidency.
In facing foreign policy challenges, Washington's administration sought to remove threats from Indians, the British, and the Spanish governments to the territorial integrity of the United States. This included the peaceful settlement of western lands and navigation rights on the Mississippi River. His approach emphasized military readiness and diplomatic efforts, while maintaining neutrality in Europe's conflicts, notably through his Neutrality Proclamation of 1793.