The New Nation and President Washington
Aligned to C3.D2.His.10 — C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards.
What this lesson teaches
George Washington became the first president of the United States in 1789. As the first leader, his choices became examples, or precedents, for future presidents. The young nation faced many challenges as it learned how to govern itself.
Worked example
Washington chose to serve only two terms as president and then step down. This decision set a lasting example, and most presidents after him followed the same tradition of serving no more than two terms.
Practice questions
- Who became the first president of the United States, and in what year?
- Explain what a 'precedent' is and give one Washington set.
- Analyze why the choices of the very first president mattered so much for the future.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
La nueva nación y el presidente Washington
George Washington se convirtió en el primer presidente de Estados Unidos en 1789. Como primer líder, sus decisiones se convirtieron en ejemplos, o precedentes, para los futuros presidentes. La joven nación enfrentó muchos desafíos mientras aprendía a gobernarse a sí misma.
Ejemplo: Washington decidió servir solo dos periodos como presidente y luego retirarse. Esta decisión sentó un ejemplo duradero, y la mayoría de los presidentes después de él siguieron la misma tradición de no servir más de dos periodos.
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