George Washington s Precedents DBQ

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1 George Washington s Precedents DBQ DBQ contains: Historical background information 7 primary sources Investigation sheets to record each source w/ guiding questions Two different essay forms to write essay. DBQ grading rubric NO PREP NEEDED-PRINT & GO!

2 Hello and thanks for downloading this lesson on George Washington s and precedents. I developed this lesson using several ideas found online. Nothing is my original idea. I like it because my students must analyze primary sources, answer guiding questions and then, write a short essay. Most everything I read today says that employers want employees that can analyze and think for themselves. This lesson guides students to be able to develop some of the above skills. I use this lesson when I start the New Republic/First Five (5) Presidents. I start with a video from History Channel - I then briefly go through the primary sources with my students. Depending on the variables in your class, you can either group students and give them a set of all of the resources or set tables with the same resources and have kids get up and move to each of the different resources. After completing each of the investigative reports, students will write an essay using some of the primary sources to justify their essay. I have two templates for any essay. One for my GT students who already know how to write and one for ESL/SPED or students learning to write an essay. I hope that this is helpful for you and your students. Please let me know if you see any mistakes or anything that would make this lesson better. I am NOT perfect and encourage constructive criticism. Thanks, Penny Jones

3 Name: Date: School: Teacher: Period: George Washington s Precedents On the afternoon of April 30, 1789, George Washington stepped out onto the balcony of Federal Hall in Lower Manhattan to take the oath as the first President of the United States. When Samuel Otis, the Secretary of the Senate, held out a Bible before Washington, he placed his right hand upon it. Robert Livingston, the Chancellor of New York, using the words prescribed in Article II of the Constitution, asked Washington if he would solemnly swear to execute the office of President of the United States, and to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. Washington answered that he would, reciting the oath back to the chancellor. Washington was well aware that he had been given the power to shape the American presidency. "I walk on untrodden ground," was a frequent comment he made in the days leading up to his first inauguration. He clearly understood that he needed to bring the executive branch to life in the republic he helped to found with no historic models to follow. Washington believed that the precedents he set must make the presidency powerful enough to function effectively in the national government, but at the same time these practices could not show any tendency toward monarchy or dictatorship. The quote below shows that Washington was well aware of the significance (importance) of his presidency and that his actions would impact future presidencies and the running of the United States of America. I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent. George Washington Directions: Read the primary source document that correlates to the investigative report and complete the questions in the report.

4 Station One- Presidential Cabinet As the first president, George Washington set several precedents; among these was the presidential cabinet. The Presidential Cabinet is the heads of the executive departments that meet and advise the president. The president selects Cabinet members, and the Senate approves. George Washington had a four-member cabinet made up of: Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton Secretary of War Henry Knox Attorney General Edmond Randolph Over our country s history, the cabinet has expanded to include the Vice-President and 15 cabinet departments. INVESTIGATE: Excerpt from Article II of the U.S. Constitution, which Washington used to justify his creation of a cabinet. Record your findings on the investigation report below: Name of document investigating: Historical Investigation Report Case #1787 Who wrote this document: Date written: Reason document was written: Is this source primary or secondary: For whom was document written: Questions concerning document: 1. What is the job of the presidential cabinet? 2. Why do you think that George Washington created a cabinet?

5 Station Two Executive Privilege The concept of executive privilege is the idea that the president can withhold certain information from anyone including Congress, and the courts. President Dwight D. Eisenhower first used the term executive privilege in the 20 th century, but George Washington did use executive privilege on a couple of occasions with Congress. The Constitution does not mention executive privilege, and its use by presidents has not always been successful. Richard Nixon, during the Watergate scandal in 1973, tried to use executive privilege in order to keep some recorded conversations from Congress. He was unsuccessful and this led to his resignation of the office of president. INVESTIGATE: the message George Washington sent to the House of Representatives declining to submit diplomatic instructions and correspondence. Record your findings on the investigation report below: Name of document investigating: Historical Investigation Report-Case #1787 Who wrote this document: Date written: Reason document was written: Questions concerning document: 1. What did Congress want from President Washington? Is this source primary or secondary: For whom was document written: 2. What were at least two reasons Washington gave for not agreeing to this request? 3. Do you believe that the president has the right of executive privilege? Why or why not?

6 Station Three Uphold the Laws of the United States Under the Articles of Confederation, the national government had little ability to tax and with the outbreak of Shay s Rebellion, there was concern of the government s ability to uphold the law. With the ratification of the Constitution, the executive branch had the power to uphold the law. During his second term, Washington faced a challenge to the Constitution when farmers in western Pennsylvania protested against the collection of excise duties (taxes) on whiskey. In answering this challenge, Washington used his power as commander-in-chief to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Washington issued a proclamation against the rebellion and himself led the army to western Pennsylvania. The rebellion ended with about a dozen men being arrested and were eventually pardoned by Washington. This event showed that the new government would use militia (army) if necessary to keep order in the states and enforce the law. INVESTIGATE: Excerpt from George Washington s Proclamation expressing opposition to the Whiskey Rebellion. Record your findings on the investigation report below: Name of document investigating: Who wrote this document: Date written: Reason document was written: Questions concerning document: Historical Investigation Report-Case #1787 Is this source primary or secondary: For whom was document written: 1. Why do you think that Washington felt he had the right to call out the militia? 2. After the Articles of Confederation, why do you think it was important for Washington to show that the national government would enforce the laws of the United States? What is the difference concerning the issue of taxation shown in the illustration?

7 Station Four Two Term Limit In 1796, Washington declined a third term in office, setting a two term precedent for future presidents that was not broken until 1940, when Franklin D. Roosevelt successfully ran for a third and later fourth term in In 1951, the 22 nd amendment was ratified and would set a two term limit for president. INVESTIGATE: Excerpt from the United States Constitution on Presidential Term Limits Record your findings on the investigation report below: Name of document investigating: Who wrote this document: Date written: Reason document was written: Questions concerning document: Historical Investigation Report-Case #1787 Is this source primary or secondary: For whom was document written: 1. Why do you believe that Washington s two term precedent was not broken for over 140 years? 2. Explain why or why not the 22 nd Amendment is an important check on presidential power.

8 Station Five Neutrality in Foreign Affairs Another precedent that George Washington set was that of neutrality in foreign affairs. During the American Revolution, the French and Americans had entered into a permanent alliance with each other. This meant that the French would help the Americans in their war against Great Britain and the Americans would help the French in any of their future wars. In 1793, the countries of Europe were once again at war because of the French Revolution. France found herself at war with much of Europe. Realizing that the new country was in no position to fight another major war, Washington set a policy of neutrality that would largely remain in effect until the start of the 20 th century. Washington would also stress this point again in his farewell address to the nation in INVESTIGATE: Excerpt from Washington s Proclamation on Neutrality, and Excerpt from Washington s Farewell Address. Record your findings on the investigation report below: Name of document investigating: Who wrote this document: Date written: Reason document was written: Historical Investigation Report-Case #1787 Is this source primary or secondary: For whom was document written: Questions concerning document: 1. What was George Washington asking Americans to do regarding the war in Europe? 2. Why did Washington feel that the United States should stay clear of Europe s affairs? 3. How do you think that Washington would feel concerning America s role in world affairs today?

9 Article II of the United States Constitution The President shall be commander in chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the militia of the several states, when called into the actual service of the United States; he may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive departments, upon any subject relating to the duties of their respective offices, and he shall have power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment. He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by law: but the Congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments. The President shall have power to fill up all vacancies that may happen during the recess of the Senate, by granting commissions which shall expire at the end of their next session. Station 1 President s Cabinet

10 Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: With the utmost attention I have considered your resolution of the 24th. instant, requesting me to lay before your House, a copy of the instructions to the Minister of the United States who negotiated the Treaty with the King of Great Britain, together with the correspondence and other documents relative to that Treaty, excepting such of the said papers as any existing negotiation may render improper to be disclosed. In deliberating upon this subject, it was impossible for me to lose sight of the principle which some have avowed in its discussion; or to avoid extending my views to the consequences which must flow from the admission of that principle. I trust that no part of my conduct has ever indicated a disposition to withhold any information which the Constitution has enjoined upon the President as a duty to give, or which could be required of him by either House of Congress as a right; And with truth I affirm, that it has been, as it will continue to be, while I have the honor to preside in the Government, my constant endeavour to harmonize with the other branches thereof; so far as the trust delegated to me by the People of the United States, and my sense of the obligation it imposes to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution" will permit. The nature of foreign negotiations requires caution; and their success must often depend on secrecy: and even when brought to a conclusion, a full disclosure of all the measures, demands, or eventual concessions, which may have been proposed or contemplated, would be extremely impolitic: for this might have a pernicious influence on future negotiations; or produce immediate inconveniences, perhaps danger and mischief, in relation to other powers. The necessity of such caution and secrecy was one cogent reason for vesting the power of making Treaties in the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, the principle on which that body was formed confining it to a small number of Members. To admit then a right in the House of Representatives to demand, and to have as a matter of course, all the Papers respecting a negotiation with a foreign power, would be to establish a dangerous precedent. It does not occur that the inspection of the papers asked for, be relative to any purpose under the cognizance of the House of Representatives, except that of an impeachment, which the resolution has not expressed. I repeat, that I have no disposition to withhold any information which the duty of my station will permit, or the public good shall require to be disclosed: and in fact, all the Papers affecting the negotiation with Great Britain were laid before the Senate, when the Treaty itself was communicated for their consideration and advice. The course which the debate has taken, on the resolution of the House, leads to some observations on the mode of making treaties under the Constitution of the United States. Having been a member of the General Convention, and knowing the principles on which the Constitution was formed, I have ever entertained but one opinion on this subject; and from the first establishment of the Government to this moment, my conduct has exemplified that opinion, that the power of making treaties is exclusively vested in the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,

11 provided two thirds of the Senators present concur, and that every treaty so made, and promulgated, thenceforward became the Law of the land. It is thus that the treaty making power has been understood by foreign Nations: and in all the treaties made with them, we have declared, and they have believed, that when ratified by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, they became obligatory. In this construction of the Constitution every House of Representatives has heretofore acquiesced; and until the present time, not a doubt or suspicion has appeared to my knowledge that this construction was not the true one. Nay, they have more than acquiesced: for till now, without controverting the obligation of such treaties, they have made all the requisite provisions for carrying them into effect. There is also reason to believe that this construction agrees with the opinions entertained by the State Conventions, when they were deliberating on the Constitution; especially by those who objected to it, because there was not required, in commercial treaties, the consent of two thirds of the whole number of the members of the Senate, instead of two thirds of the Senators present; and because in treaties respecting territorial and certain other rights and claims, the concurrence of three fourths of the whole number of the members of both houses respectively, was not made necessary. It is a fact declared by the General Convention, and universally understood, that the Constitution of the United States was the result of a spirit of amity and mutual concession. And it is well known that under this influence the smaller States were admitted to an equal representation in the Senate with the larger States; and that this branch of the government was invested with great powers: for on the equal participation of those powers, the sovereignty andpolitical safety of the smaller States were deemed essentially to depend. If other proofs than these, and the plain letter of the Constitution itself, be necessary to ascertain the point under consideration, they may be found in the journals of the General Convention, which I have deposited in the office of the department of State. In these journals it will appear that a proposition was made, "that no Treaty should be binding on the United States which was not ratified by a Law"; and that the proposition was explicitly rejected. As therefore it is perfectly clear to my understanding, that file assent of the House of Representatives is not necessary to the validity of a treaty: as the treaty with Great Britain exhibits in itself all the objects requiring legislative provision; And on these the papers called for can throw no light: And as it is essential to the due administration of the government, that the boundaries fixed by the constitution between the different departments should be preserved: A just regard to the Constitution and to the duty of my Office, under all the circumstances of this case, forbids a complyance with your request. Station 2 Message to the House of Representatives

12 Proclamation against Opposition to Execution of Laws and Excise Duties in Western Pennsylvania (August 7, 1794) Whereas combinations to defeat the execution of the laws laying duties upon spirits distilled within the United States and upon stills have from the time of the commencement of those laws existed in some of the western parts of Pennsylvania; and Whereas by a law of the United States entitled "An act to provide calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions," it is enacted "that whenever the laws of the United States shall be opposed or the execution thereof obstructed in any State by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested in the marshals by that act, the same being notified by an associate justice or the district judge, it shall be lawful for the President of the United States to call forth the militia of such State to suppress such combinations and to cause the laws to be duly executed. And if the militia of a State where such combinations may happen shall refuse or be insufficient to suppress the same, it shall be lawful for the President, if the Legislature of the United States shall not be in session, to call forth and employ such numbers of the militia of any other State or States most convenient thereto as may be necessary; and the use of the militia so to be called forth may be continued, if necessary, until the expiration of thirty days after the commencement of the ensuing session: Provided always, That whenever it may be necessary in the judgment of the President to use the military force hereby directed to be called forth, the President shall forthwith, and previous thereto, by proclamation, command such insurgents to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes within a limited time ;" and Wherefore, and in pursuance of the proviso above recited, I, George Washington, President of the United States, do hereby command all persons being insurgents as aforesaid, and all others whom it may concern, on or before the 1st day of September next to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes. And I do moreover warn all persons whomsoever against aiding, abetting, or comforting the perpetrators of the aforesaid treasonable acts, and do require all officers and other citizens, according to their respective duties and the laws of the land, to exert their utmost endeavors to prevent and suppress such dangerous proceedings. GO. WASHINGTON. Station 3 Uphold the Law

13 Washington's Farewell Address 1796 The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the executive government of the United States being not far distant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with that important trust, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made. I beg you, at the same time, to do me the justice to be assured that this resolution has not been taken without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation which binds a dutiful citizen to his country; and that in withdrawing the tender of service, which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness, but am supported by a full conviction that the step is compatible with both. Station 4 Washington Farwell Address Excerpt

14 Amendment XXII Section 1. No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. But this article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President when this article was proposed by the Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term. Section 2. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several states within seven years from the date of its submission to the states by the Congress. Station 4 Amendment 22

15 George Washington Farwell Address September 19, 1796 Excerpt The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connexion as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them. Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments, on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies. Station 5 Washington Farwell Address #2

16 The Proclamation of Neutrality 1793 April 22, 1793 Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands, of the one part, and France on the other; and the duty and interest of the United States require, that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerant Powers; And I do hereby also make known, that whatsoever of the citizens of the United States shall render himself liable to punishment or forfeiture under the law of nations, by committing, aiding, or abetting hostilities against any of the said Powers, or by carrying to any of them those articles which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, will not receive the protection of the United States, against such punishment or forfeiture; and further, that I have given instructions to those officers, to whom it belongs, to cause prosecutions to be instituted against all persons, who shall, within the cognizance of the courts of the United States, violate the law of nations, with respect to the Powers at war, or any of them. Station 5 Proclamation of Neutrality

17 Explain why the precedents that George Washington set during his presidency were significant. You must use examples from at least three primary sources to justify your argument.

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19 Explain why the precedents that George Washington set during his presidency were significant. You must use examples from at least three primary sources. George Washington said in a quote I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent. Knowing that his actions would be later scrutinized, he very carefully went about establishing the office of the president of the United States of America. I think that is the most important precedent because Also important is. I believe this because Lastly, and equally important is. This is important because All of the above precedents are important because. Of all the above mentioned precedents, is still used today. It is relevant because

20 . Although many precedents have been made since George Washington s presidency, not many have been made that equal the importance of the first precedents made by our first president,.

21 Persuasive Essay : George Washington DBQ Rubric Student Name: Final Score: 4 - Above 3 - Meets 2 - Approaching 1 - Below CATEGORY Standards Standards Standards Standards Score Attention Grabber The introductory paragraph has a strong hook or attention grabber that is appropriate for the audience. This could be a strong statement, a relevant quotation, statistic, or question addressed to the reader. The introductory paragraph has a hook or attention grabber, but it is weak, rambling or inappropriate for the audience. The author has an interesting introductory paragraph but the connection to the topic is not clear. The introductory paragraph is not interesting AND is not relevant to the topic. Evidence and Examples All of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author\'s position. (3 examples) Most of the evidence and examples are specific, relevant and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author\'s position. (two examples) At least one of the pieces of evidence and examples is relevant and has an explanation that shows how that piece of evidence supports the author\'s position. (1 example) Evidence and examples are NOT relevant AND/OR are not explained. (no examples) Transitions A variety of thoughtful transitions are used. They clearly show how ideas are connected Transitions show how ideas are connected, but there is little variety Some transitions work well, but some connections between ideas are fuzzy. The transitions between ideas are unclear OR nonexistent. Closing paragraph The conclusion is strong and leaves the reader solidly understanding the writer\'s position. Effective restatement of the position statement begins the closing paragraph. The conclusion is recognizable. The author\'s position is restated within the first two sentences of the closing paragraph. The author\'s position is restated within the closing paragraph, but not near the beginning. There is no conclusion - the paper just ends. Grammar & Spelling Author makes no errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Author makes 1-2 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Author makes 3-4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Author makes more than 4 errors in grammar or spelling that distract the reader from the content. Capitalization & Punctuation Author makes no errors in capitalization or punctuation, so the essay is exceptionally easy to read. Author makes 1-2 errors in capitalization or punctuation, but the essay is still easy to read. Author makes a few errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader\'s attention and interrupt the flow. Author makes several errors in capitalization and/or punctuation that catch the reader\'s attention and interrupt the flow.

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