US History · 11th Grade · Expansion, Reform & Sectionalism · Weeks 1-9

Washington's Presidency & Precedents

Analyze the challenges faced by the first president and the precedents he set for the executive branch.

• Common Core State Standards
• C3: D2.Civ.12.9-12
• C3: D2.His.1.9-12

About This Topic

Jacksonian Democracy represents a period of significant political expansion for white men, alongside the aggressive and tragic removal of Native Americans. This topic explores the rise of the 'common man' in politics, the development of the spoils system, and the intense controversies of Andrew Jackson's presidency, including the Bank War and the Nullification Crisis. A central focus is the Indian Removal Act and the subsequent Trail of Tears, which highlights the limits of Jacksonian liberty.

For 11th graders, this unit is essential for analyzing the contradictions of American democracy. It forces students to grapple with how a leader can be a champion of the people while also exercising what many saw as tyrannical power. This topic comes alive when students can engage in structured debates and mock trials to evaluate Jackson's complex and controversial legacy.

Key Questions

1. Explain how George Washington's actions established key precedents for the presidency.
2. Analyze the challenges of establishing a new federal government under the Constitution.
3. Evaluate the significance of Washington's Farewell Address for American foreign policy.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the specific challenges George Washington faced in establishing the authority and legitimacy of the new federal government.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of at least three precedents set by Washington's presidency on subsequent executive leadership.
• Critique the arguments for and against the Proclamation of Neutrality, considering its impact on early US foreign relations.
• Explain the core principles articulated in Washington's Farewell Address and their influence on American foreign policy debates.

Before You Start

The US Constitution: Principles and Structure

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of the Constitution's framework for the executive branch to analyze how Washington operated within it.

The Articles of Confederation: Weaknesses and Failures

Why: Understanding the shortcomings of the previous government highlights the challenges Washington faced in creating a functional federal system.

Key Vocabulary

Precedent	An action or decision that later serves as an example or rule for others to follow. Washington's actions set many precedents for the presidency.
Cabinet	A group of advisors to the president, typically heads of executive departments. Washington established the first presidential cabinet.
Neutrality	The policy of not taking sides in a conflict between other nations. Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality addressed the war between France and Great Britain.
Sovereignty	The authority of a state to govern itself or another state. Establishing national sovereignty was a key challenge for the new government.
Farewell Address	A speech given by George Washington upon leaving the presidency, offering advice to the nation. It warned against political factions and foreign entanglements.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Andrew Jackson was the first president to support Native American removal.

What to Teach Instead

Removal had been a goal of many previous administrations, but Jackson was the first to aggressively use federal power to enforce it on a massive scale. Peer-led comparison of Jefferson's and Jackson's policies helps students see the shift from 'civilization' to 'removal.'

Common Misconception

Jacksonian Democracy meant everyone got the right to vote.

What to Teach Instead

While property requirements were dropped for white men, women, Black people, and Native Americans remained disenfranchised. A station rotation analyzing voting laws helps students see who was intentionally excluded from this 'expansion' of democracy.

Active Learning Ideas

Mock Trial: The People vs. Andrew Jackson

The class conducts a trial where Jackson is 'charged' with overstepping constitutional authority. Students act as lawyers, witnesses (including Cherokee leaders and bank supporters), and jurors to weigh the evidence of his presidency.

90 min·Whole Class

Inquiry Circle: The Trail of Tears

Small groups use maps and primary source accounts to trace the different routes of forced removal. They investigate the legal battles (like Worcester v. Georgia) and the human cost of the journey, creating a memorial presentation.

50 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate: The Nullification Crisis

Students represent the interests of South Carolina and the Federal Government. They debate whether a state has the right to 'nullify' a federal law they find unconstitutional, foreshadowing the arguments of the Civil War.

45 min·Pairs

Real-World Connections

• The structure of the modern US Cabinet, with departments like State, Treasury, and Defense, directly traces back to the departments Washington established to advise him.
• Debates over American foreign policy, such as involvement in international alliances or conflicts, often reference the principles of non-entanglement and neutrality first articulated by Washington.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

Present students with a list of actions taken during Washington's presidency (e.g., forming a cabinet, issuing the Proclamation of Neutrality, delivering the Farewell Address). Ask students to identify which of these actions set a significant precedent and briefly explain why.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Which of Washington's precedents do you believe has had the most lasting impact on the American presidency, and why?' Facilitate a class discussion where students support their claims with evidence from the unit.

Exit Ticket

Ask students to write down two challenges Washington faced and one piece of advice from his Farewell Address that they believe is still relevant today. They should provide a brief explanation for each.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the 'spoils system'?

The spoils system was Jackson's practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs. He argued this made the government more responsive to the 'common man,' but critics saw it as a source of corruption and incompetence.

Why did Jackson oppose the Second Bank of the United States?

Jackson viewed the Bank as a 'monster' that favored wealthy elites and Eastern merchants at the expense of farmers and Westerners. He believed it was unconstitutional and concentrated too much power in the hands of un-elected officials.

What was the Nullification Crisis?

It was a conflict between South Carolina and the federal government over high tariffs. South Carolina claimed it could nullify federal laws, but Jackson threatened to use military force to uphold federal authority, asserting that the Union was indivisible.

How can active learning help students understand Jacksonian Democracy?

Active learning strategies like mock trials are perfect for this topic because Jackson is such a polarizing figure. By forcing students to argue both the 'champion of the people' and the 'King Andrew' perspectives, they have to engage with the evidence rather than just accepting a single narrative. This hands-on approach helps them understand the deep-seated political tensions of the era and the lasting impact of his decisions on American institutions.