How many federal government employees were there in 1789?

In 1789, the structure of the federal government was quite limited compared to today, with a significantly smaller population and fewer responsibilities. At that time, the core functions of the federal government were just being established following the ratification of the Constitution. The original departments, such as the State Department and the Treasury, were relatively small, which meant that the number of federal employees was quite low.

The estimate of around 50 federal government employees reflects this early stage in American governance when the bureaucracy was in its infancy and primarily engaged in essential functions such as foreign affairs and managing national finances. Over the years, as the government expanded its roles and responsibilities, especially during times of crisis like wars or economic downturns, the number of employees grew significantly. Thus, understanding this historical context highlights why the choice of 50 federal employees is the accurate one for 1789.