Standard 6 Video Questions (ssush6)

George Washington, the most influential and popular figure of the time, was elected the first

President of the United States. There was no clear understanding of how the office of the president

would operate. The Constitution created the office, but there was not really a guideline for conducting

the _______ branch of the government.

George Washington was challenged to chart the course for himself and future presidents. He often remarked, “I walk on untrodden ground.” During his two terms in office, George Washington set many ​ (a)   for the position that remain accepted procedure.

• precedents
• suggestions
• rules

A ​ (a)   is an action that sets a basis for similar situations as they arise in the future. George Washington established important patterns, or precedents, for future presidents to follow. Some of the critical precedents Washington established for the presidency include forming a cabinet, using the modest title of “​ (b)   ,”

• precedent
• Mr. President
• rule, Sir Leader
• example, Chief Executive
• guideline, Commander-in-Chief

One key development associated with Washington was the creation of the cabinet system. Washington called on Thomas Jefferson to be his Secretary of State and Alexander Hamilton to be his Secretary of the Treasury. Washington understood that others might have more expertise in some critical areas related to government policy. As a result, Washington created the cabinet system to surround himself with experts in various fields in order to better craft critical decisions in the best interest of the country.

Which statement best describes the purpose of the cabinet?

• To serve as a ceremonial body for the president.
• To act as a legislative branch of government.
• To provide public relations support for the president.
• To provide expert advice to the president on government policy.

There were a few other important precedents and policy perspectives George Washington felt very strongly about that did ​ (a)   beyond his administration. Washington was very concerned about emerging ​ (b)   in the United States during the early years of the republic.

• not survive
• political factions
• thrive
• economic stability

George Washington strongly opposed tying the United States to other countries through formal alliances. Concerning the involvement of the United States with other nations, Washington encouraged commercial trade relationships but wanted to maintain “as little political connection as possible.”

How did Washington feel about the United States getting involved in the affaris of other countries?

• Washington believed in military intervention in foreign affairs.
• Washington encouraged the U.S. to form permanent alliances with European nations.
• Washington opposed U.S. involvement in the affairs of other countries.

George Washington, as President of the United States, was very popular among all classes of people in all regions of the country. This popularity would have likely given him another victory in the election of 1796 – if he had sought the office. Instead of running for a third term,

• George Washington served two full terms as President.
• George Washington was elected for a third term in 1796.
• Washington chose to step away from national politics and retire.

The election of 1796 was a bitter contest between John Adams, a Federalist, and Thomas Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican. The political parties George Washington had warned against were driving the election to determine his successor. Adams won by only a 71-68 margin in the Electoral College. George Washington’s elections in 1789 and 1792 were both unanimous. Under the provisions of the Constitution as it was originally written, the candidate who received the highest number of votes (over 50%) in the Electoral College would be the President and the candidate with the second highest number of votes would serve as the Vice President.

Based on the text above, who became the Vice President?

• Thomas Jefferson
• John Jay
• James Madison
• Alexander Hamilton

The Federalist John Adams became the President and the leading Democratic-Republican, Thomas Jefferson, became the Vice President. The difficulties presented by this arrangement became apparent very quickly. Adams’ victory by such a close vote indicates the division that had emerged between the political ideologies of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. Adams only served one term in office and he faced significant challenges during his presidency.

What did Adams' victory indicate about the nation?

• The popularity of John Adams among the citizens.
• A strong unity among all political parties.
• The division between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

John Adams's administration was plagued by conflicts with France and Great Britain that crippled the nation’s ​ (a)   The financial difficulties and international conflict led Democratic-Republicans, including Vice President Thomas Jefferson, to vehemently ​ (b)   John Adams.

• economy
• criticize
• military, support
• infrastructure, praise
• diplomacy, ignore