George Washington Wayground Video

Why was George Washington heading to Federal Hall?

• He was receiving an award for his efforts in the Revolutionary War.

• He was being inaugurated as the First President.

• He had been elected to Congress.

• He was being crowned King of the newly United Colonies.

Why was the presidency considered the most “novel” institution created by the Constitution?

• It was copied from the British Monarchy.

• It was wholly run by Congress.

• There was no real model for it in the 18th Century.

• It was meant to be a hereditary position passed down to first born males.

Why was creating a national government difficult for early American leaders?

• They had no experience creating a national Government.

• Only a few of the founders believed in Democracy.

• They were just going to copy the British Monarchy.

• Many of the founders wanted to reinstate the Monarchy.

According to the video, what did many delegates originally think was the “heart and soul” of the republic?

• The President

• The Supreme Court

• The Military

• The Congress

Why did the Founding Fathers avoid giving the president too much unilateral power?

• They were supportive of the idea of a Dictatorship.

• They believed that King George III had abused his powers as an Executive.

• They thought that the American people would be happier with a Monarchy.

• They wanted the Congress to be under the control of the President.

Why did the delegates create the Electoral College system?

• They believed ordinary Americans wouldn't know the candidates for President.

• They wanted Congress to be able to pick the President.

• They thought the President should be chosen by the Supreme Court.

• They thought elections would otherwise be too easy.

Why did George Washington reassure skeptics about a stronger federal government?

• He promised to abolish the Presidency and become King.

• He supported the Articles of Confederation.

• People trusted that he would not try to become King.

• He was against the Constitution.

What was unusual about the first presidential election system described in the video?

• Voters directly elected the President nationwide.

• Electors cast two ballots, and the runner up (2nd place) became Vice-President.

• The Senate had to appoint the Vice-President after a tie in the Electoral College.

• Candidates campaigned across the country to become President.

What major presidential tradition did Washington create to help make decisions?

• The Cabinet (group of Presidential advisors and Executive Department heads)

• That the President would be limited to two terms in office.

• That the President would travel the country to visit every state.

• The two party system (Republican and Democrat) that dominates politics today.

What was the compromise involving the capital city and debt?

• The capital stayed in New York permanently

• The capital moved west, and states paid off national debt

• The capital rotated every four years

• The capital moved south, and the national government assumed state debts