Early American History · 5th Grade · The Early Republic & Expansion · 1789 – 1820s

George Washington's Presidency

Examine the precedents set by the first president, the formation of the Cabinet, and his Farewell Address.

• Common Core State Standards
• C3: D2.His.3.3-5
• C3: D2.Civ.1.3-5

About This Topic

As the first President, George Washington knew that every action he took would set a 'precedent' for future leaders. Students explore his leadership style, his decision to create a Cabinet of advisors, and his choice to step down after two terms, which established a tradition of the peaceful transfer of power. The topic also covers his Farewell Address, where he warned the young nation about the dangers of political parties and permanent foreign alliances.

This topic aligns with standards regarding the development of the executive branch and the role of leadership in the early republic. It helps students understand how the abstract rules of the Constitution were put into practice. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of decision-making through a role-play of a Cabinet meeting.

Key Questions

1. Analyze the significance of the precedents established by George Washington.
2. Explain the advice Washington offered in his Farewell Address.
3. Evaluate the challenges faced by the first administration in establishing a new government.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the significance of at least three precedents set by George Washington's presidency.
• Explain the core warnings and advice presented in George Washington's Farewell Address.
• Evaluate the challenges faced by the first administration in establishing the executive branch and a functional government.
• Compare the structure of Washington's Cabinet to modern-day presidential cabinets.
• Identify key actions taken by Washington's administration to solidify the new government.

Before You Start

The US Constitution: Powers and Branches

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of the Constitution's structure, including the roles of the President and the executive branch, before examining how Washington implemented these powers.

The Challenges of the New Nation

Why: Understanding the initial struggles and debates following the Revolutionary War provides context for the difficulties Washington's administration faced in establishing a stable government.

Key Vocabulary

Precedent	An action or decision that later serves as an example for others. Washington's choices set examples for future presidents.
Cabinet	A group of advisors appointed by the president to lead executive departments. Washington established this system to manage government affairs.
Farewell Address	A speech written by George Washington upon leaving the presidency, offering advice to the nation. It warned against political factions and foreign entanglements.
Neutrality	A policy of not taking sides in disputes or wars between other countries. Washington's administration pursued this stance in foreign affairs.
Two-term tradition	The unwritten rule, established by Washington, that presidents would serve only two terms. This was later codified into law.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Washington wanted to be a king.

What to Teach Instead

He actually turned down many chances for more power and insisted on being called 'Mr. President' rather than a royal title. A role-play of his decision to step down helps students understand his commitment to democracy.

Common Misconception

The Cabinet is mentioned in the Constitution.

What to Teach Instead

The Constitution doesn't mention a Cabinet; Washington created it because he realized he needed experts to advise him. A collaborative investigation into the origins of the Cabinet helps students see how the government evolved.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play: The First Cabinet Meeting

Students act as Washington, Hamilton, and Jefferson. They must debate a real issue from the time, like the national bank, and Washington must decide whose advice to follow after hearing both sides.

40 min·Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: Precedent Hunt

In small groups, students look at a list of modern presidential actions (like giving a State of the Union speech). They research whether this started with Washington and why he chose to do it that way.

30 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share: Washington's Warnings

Pairs read a simplified version of Washington's Farewell Address. They discuss whether they think his warnings about political parties were good advice and if the country followed that advice today.

20 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• The current United States Cabinet, with departments like State, Treasury, and Defense, directly traces its origins to the advisory groups Washington formed to help run the new nation.
• Political scientists and historians analyze George Washington's Farewell Address when discussing contemporary debates about foreign policy and the role of political parties in American democracy.
• The peaceful transfer of power, a cornerstone of American democracy, was first modeled when George Washington voluntarily stepped down after two terms, setting a vital precedent.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with three cards, each listing a key event or decision from Washington's presidency (e.g., forming the Cabinet, issuing the Neutrality Proclamation, delivering the Farewell Address). Ask students to write one sentence for each card explaining why it was significant or what precedent it set.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine you are a member of Congress in 1790. What would be your biggest concern about the new government and President Washington's actions?' Facilitate a class discussion where students share their concerns, connecting them to the challenges of establishing a new nation.

Quick Check

Present students with a short, simplified excerpt from Washington's Farewell Address. Ask them to identify and underline one piece of advice he gave to the country and then explain in their own words what he meant by it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'precedent'?

A precedent is an action or decision that serves as an example for others to follow in the future. Because George Washington was the first president, almost everything he did, like forming a Cabinet or serving only two terms, set the standard for all presidents who came after him.

What was the purpose of Washington's Cabinet?

Washington realized that the job of President was too big for one person. He chose a group of experts, called the Cabinet, to advise him on important issues like the economy (Alexander Hamilton) and foreign relations (Thomas Jefferson).

What did Washington warn against in his Farewell Address?

Washington gave two main warnings: first, he warned against the growth of political parties, which he feared would divide the nation. Second, he warned the U.S. to stay neutral and avoid getting involved in the permanent alliances and wars of other countries.

How can active learning help students understand Washington's presidency?

Active learning, like simulating a Cabinet debate, helps students see the difficult choices Washington faced. By weighing the conflicting advice of Hamilton and Jefferson, students understand that the early government was a work in progress. This makes the concept of 'setting a precedent' much more tangible and exciting.