Aim: What makes a good leader?

Topic: George Washington’s Presidency (1789-1797)

Introduction:

After the Constitution was signed, George Washington was unanimously (with total agreement) elected President of the new United States of America. He served as President for two four year terms from 1789-1797. He oversaw a critical period of United States history as the young nation was struggling to form its new government and survive.

1.  Why do you think Washington was unanimously chosen to be our first President?

Task – Pair-share:

Directions: In Pairs: Read each of George Washington’s accomplishments carefully. He is known for many “firsts” for the country. His decision became guides for future presidents. These actions that later became customs and guides in the future are called “precedents.” Grade each precedent using: E (90-100), G (80-89), S (65-79) and N (Below 65).

Precedent / Grade
And explanation / Which characteristics of a good leader and president does this reflect?
Washington called together all of the leaders of the departments for advice. This became known as the Cabinet. Three departments were set up: State Department (foreign affairs), War Department (military affairs) and Treasury Department (financial affairs).
This became part of the Unwritten Constitution – a power a branch has but is not specifically listed in the Constitution
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Modern Example: Today there are 15 Cabinets offer advice to the President on how to run the country.
Washington pushed the legislative branch to pass laws that would benefit the nation. He started the custom of the president putting pressure on Congress to pass laws.
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Modern Example: President Obama asked Congress to pass a $800 billion plan to save the economy
Washington showed the power and authority of the national government when he ordered troops to crush the Whiskey Rebellion (farmers complaining about a tax on whiskey to raise money)
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Modern Example: President sent troops into Afghanistan to show the world the power of The United States after the
September 11th attacks.
Washington stepped down as president after two four-year terms, even though he could have been elected again at that time in American History.
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Modern Example: Every President after Washington and up to Franklin Roosevelt (who served 4 terms) only served the two terms our of the precedent set by Washington (also part of the unwritten Constitution until the 22nd Amendment limited it to two terms)
In his “Farewell Address” to the nation, Washington gave the country a lot of advice on how to deal with foreign countries. He believed that the United States should not expand overseas, get involved in foreign affairs or make alliances with other countries. This set a long precedent of isolationism.
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Modern Example: For a long part of our history, the United States practiced a policy of isolationism – only focusing on our own affairs.
Also in his “Farewell Address” George Washington warned against political parties and partisanship (party politics), saying that people should work out their differences to come to a compromise that benefits the entire country.