4-4.4
Standard 4-4 The student will demonstrate an understanding of the beginnings of America as a nation and the establishment of the new government.
4-4.4: Compare the roles and accomplishments of early leaders in the development of the new nation, including George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, John Marshall, and James Madison. (H, P)
It Is Essential For Students To Know:
- Specific leaders played significant roles in establishing the new government of the United States. Their accomplishments contributed to the development of the new nation.
- George Washington was elected as the first president. He established precedents that were followed by later presidents. For instance, he regularly consulted his Cabinet and only served for two terms. Because Washington was so widely respected as the Commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War he assured the citizens that he would not take too much power for the new national government. His convictions laid a foundation for trust in the new nation.
- John Adams was elected as the first Vice President of the United States and he served with George Washington. Later he was elected as the second President. As an early leader of the Federalist Party, he advocated the establishment of a strong central government.
- Thomas Jefferson was the first Secretary of State and served in Washington’s Cabinet. Jefferson became the leader of the Democratic-Republican Party. Jefferson became the third president of the United States and the first president from his party.
- Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of Treasury and served in Washington’s Cabinet. Hamilton proposed a series of laws that improved the financial standing of the new nation. Hamilton was the leader of the Federalist Party and was a close adviser to President Washington.
- John Marshall was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by President Adams. Marshall strengthened the role of the Supreme Court in the federal government by asserting the right of the Supreme Court to review laws and determined whether or not they are constitutional. Marshall was a Federalist so he wanted to strengthen the role of the federal government.
- James Madison was the major author of the Constitution. He served in the first Congress and wrote the amendments that became the Bill of Rights. Madison was also a leader of the Democratic-Republican Party and was elected the fourth President of the United States.
It Is Not Essential For Students To Know:
- Students do not need to know the life stories of these political leaders.
4-4.4 Links To Information For Teachers