In this Grade 5 lesson from California myWorld Interactive's Chapter 7, students learn how George Washington shaped the presidency through key actions such as establishing the Electoral College's role, forming the first Cabinet, and setting the two-term tradition. Students also explore the vocabulary of inauguration, Cabinet, and political party while examining how the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans emerged as the first two political parties. The lesson uses Washington's precedents to show how his decisions as the nation's first President created lasting models for all future presidents.
Section 1
Washington Sets Presidential Precedents
In 1789, George Washington took office as the first president.
He knew his actions would set an example for all future leaders. These examples are known as precedents. To get advice, he created a group of expert advisors called the presidential Cabinet.
Section 2
Hamilton and Jefferson Debate the Economy
The new United States had large debts from the Revolutionary War.
Alexander Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, proposed a plan to fix this. In 1791, he wanted the federal government to create a national bank to manage the country's money and help pay off the debts. Hamilton believed this would build a strong economy based on trade and manufacturing.
Section 3
The First Political Parties
Not all of America's early leaders agreed on how to run the new nation. During the 1790s, two of President Washington's top advisors, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, had very different ideas for the country's future.
Hamilton and his followers created the Federalist Party. They wanted a strong central government to support trade and manufacturing. Jefferson and his supporters formed the Democratic-Republican Party. They wanted more power for the states and believed farming was the foundation of the country.
Section 4
Leaders Create a Federal Capital
Early American leaders argued about where to build the nation's capital. Northern and Southern states each wanted the capital located in their region. This disagreement was part of the growing conflict between the new political parties.
To solve the problem, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson made a famous deal in 1790.
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
Washington Sets Presidential Precedents
In 1789, George Washington took office as the first president.
He knew his actions would set an example for all future leaders. These examples are known as precedents. To get advice, he created a group of expert advisors called the presidential Cabinet.
Section 2
Hamilton and Jefferson Debate the Economy
The new United States had large debts from the Revolutionary War.
Alexander Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, proposed a plan to fix this. In 1791, he wanted the federal government to create a national bank to manage the country's money and help pay off the debts. Hamilton believed this would build a strong economy based on trade and manufacturing.
Section 3
The First Political Parties
Not all of America's early leaders agreed on how to run the new nation. During the 1790s, two of President Washington's top advisors, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, had very different ideas for the country's future.
Hamilton and his followers created the Federalist Party. They wanted a strong central government to support trade and manufacturing. Jefferson and his supporters formed the Democratic-Republican Party. They wanted more power for the states and believed farming was the foundation of the country.
Section 4
Leaders Create a Federal Capital
Early American leaders argued about where to build the nation's capital. Northern and Southern states each wanted the capital located in their region. This disagreement was part of the growing conflict between the new political parties.
To solve the problem, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson made a famous deal in 1790.