George Washington and Executive Power

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

10

Overview

This lesson looks at the legacy of George Washington, perhaps the most influential leader in the creation of the American nation. Through his achievements as commander-in-chief during the Revolution, in support of the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, and as the first president, Washington was instrumental in transforming the ideals of the Revolution into reality. His career as a soldier, revolutionary, constitution-maker, and chief executive of a new nation demanded a range of skills and talents with few precedents in history.

When students have completed this lesson, they will be able to evaluate, take, and defend a position on the contributions of the "Father of His Country" to the nation's traditions of constitutional government and citizenship.

Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 10 - United States History I

SS10.US1.3

Trace the chronology of events leading to the American Revolution, including the French and Indian War, passage of the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre, passage of the Intolerable Acts, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the publication of Common Sense, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. [A.1.a., A.1.b., A.1.d., A.1.g., A.1.i.]

UP:SS10.US1.3

Vocabulary

  • chronology
  • significance
  • theory
  • perspectives
  • provisions

Knowledge

Students know:
    Details of important events leading to the American Revolution, including the French and Indian War, passage of the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre, passage of the Intolerable Acts, the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the publication of Common Sense, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
  • The role of key revolutionary leaders, including George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, Crispus Attucks, Gilbert du Motier, and Marquis de Lafayette.
  • The importance of key revolutionary battles, including Bunker Hill, Trenton, Saratoga, and Yorktown.
  • Influence of the theories of John Locke, Charles de Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau on the major ideas in the Declaration of the Declaration of Independence.
  • Perspectives of differing groups in society and their roles in the American Revolution including men, women, white settlers, free and enslaved African Americans, and American Indians.
  • Provisions of the Treaty of Paris of 1783.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Trace the chronology of events leading up to the American Revolution by following the course, movement, and development of the event.
  • Analyze and explain the role of key revolutionary leaders by interpreting the significance of these individuals.
  • Trace the geographic locations of important Revolutionary battles and explain the significance of each. Summarize the major ideas of the Declaration of Independence .
  • Analyze the theories of John Locke, Charles de Montesquieu, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau and relate these to the major ideas within the Declaration of Independence.
  • Compare the perspectives of differing groups in society and their roles in the American Revolution by showing the similarities and differences in these groups.
  • Analyze the impact of the Treaty of Paris of 1783 on the United States' relationship with European nations and American Indians.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • There were significant events, leaders, important battles, major political and social theories and philosophies, perspectives of different groups in society, and political documents that had an impact on the causes of the American Revolution, the course of the war, and the relationships of the United States with Europe and Native Americans after the war.

CR Resource Type

Lesson/Unit Plan

Resource Provider

Center for Civic Education

License Type

Custom

Accessibility

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