Ben Franklin's World 420: Creating the U.S. Federal Government
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Sep 9, 2025 In this discussion, Peter Kastor, a history professor and founder of a digital project on early U.S. governance, unpacks how the federal government took shape from 1789 to 1829. He reveals the fascinating growth of federal employees during George Washington’s presidency, and the personal stories behind early government roles. Kastor also spotlights the contributions of marginalized groups in a predominantly male structure, and explores how the founding fathers' cautious views could have altered the path of American history.
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Federal State Preceded The Constitution
- Federal offices and employees predated the Constitution and shaped the new national government at 1789.
- Many state revenue and military officials expected and transitioned into federal service quickly.
Thomas Melville's Lifelong Federal Career
- Thomas Melville, a revenue official, begged Washington to keep his job and then served until 1829.
- Melville's federal career likely influenced his grandson Herman Melville's work at a customs house.
Branches Needed Laws To Become Agencies
- The Constitution created branches but left agencies and personnel largely undefined until 1789 legislation.
- Early Congress and Washington quickly fleshed out agencies and made federal employees report to the president.
