Lesson Introduction: The Legacy of George Washington's Presidency

Hook: The 'Presidential Choice'

Activity: A Voting Simulation

Imagine it’s 1789. The United States has just won its independence, but now there’s a huge question to answer: Who will lead this new nation? Today, we are going to recreate a voting simulation that resembles the first presidential election in American history.

Setup the Room:
- Divide the class into small groups to represent different states.
- Provide each group with a set of materials:
  - Ballots (pieces of paper)
  - A "voting box" (this could be a decorated cardboard box)
Role Assignment:
- Assign some groups to be voters from states like Virginia and Massachusetts, while others will represent states like New York and South Carolina.
- Inform the students that they have the power to vote for a leader who will set the course for the brand new government.
Voting Process:
- Describe the candidates: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams.
- Allow students 5 minutes to discuss within their groups and decide who they would vote for and why.
- Have the groups submit their votes into the voting box.
Counting Votes:
- After the voting period, gather students around the voting box and count the ballots aloud.
- Discuss the significance of the results. Who received the most votes? What does this mean in the context of 1789?

Questions to Consider:

Why do you think George Washington was chosen as the first president?
What qualities did he possess that may have influenced voters' decisions?

Transition to the Lesson

Now that we’ve experienced a simulation of the first presidential election, let's dive deeper into George Washington’s presidency. We will explore his challenges, accomplishments, and the lasting impact he had on the United States as our first commander-in-chief. As we explore his presidency, keep in mind the questions: What kind of leader was he? And how did he shape the future of America?

Lesson Goals:

By the end of today’s lesson, you will be able to:

Identify key events and decisions during Washington’s presidency.
Analyze Washington’s leadership style and its impact on the presidency.
Evaluate the significance of his legacy in shaping the United States.