Unit Rationale
Our unit on the growth and challenges facing the United States during the early Presidential Administrations is an important topic to teach students because the actions taken during that time period implemented the government that guides us today. While the Constitution set the rules and guidelines for the new government, the implementation of the new government determined the strength and philosophy of our new nation. The precedents set by the first five Presidents, but most importantly Washington, established many traditions that would last into the twentieth century. His call for a policy of neutrality remained the goal of the United States until World War I. Additionally, his willingness and eagerness to step down after two terms set a precedent that was followed until Franklin Roosevelt. Had Washington chosen to stay in his position or abuse his power, our new government may have died at birth. The debate over what powers the government should have also played a significant role in effecting the future of our country. The debate between the Federalists and Republicans would effect how the government in the United States would operate. Had either the Federalists or Republicans gotten their way entirely, the government may have failed. During this time period, the United States also faced severe challenges that threatened to destroy the new government. The Whiskey Rebellion challenged the authority of the government, and had Washington not handled it properly the country could have fallen apart. During Madison’s Administration, the War of 1812 threatened to weaken the United States as well. However, the United States also experiences opportunities for growth. The Louisiana Purchase roughly doubled the size of the United States, and the result of the War of 1812 and Monroe Doctrine established a new strength for the United States.
It is important to teach this unit because students need to understand the importance of establishing democracy, as well as the difficulties encountered by being the first nation to attempt such a government. It is important for students to learn that the United States was not certain to succeed, and that the decisions made by the first administrations allowed it to grow. By teaching this, students can appreciate and understand the importance of democratic values, such as liberty, justice, and equality. Students must also be taught that establishing democracy in the United States was not destined to be a success. Implementing and sustaining a new government required commitment perseverance, and smart governing. During class discussions, we will talk about how many of the issues discussed during this time are still being discussed today. Most importantly, the issue of the role of government in our society remains a prominent contemporary issue. While the government is stronger than it was during the early administrations, politicians today argue over how big government should be. By examining this time period, students will be better able to understand many of current issues dominating our political discourse. For example, the current debate regarding the conflict between liberty and security relates to issues of that time period. During this time period, people had to decide what amount of government was necessary to keep the country safe and strong, without taking away too many of the rights held by the people. Ultimately, this unit will help students appreciate the first leaders of the United States, while understanding how the country grew from a nation at birth during Washington’s administration until it had become much stronger and more stable by the end of Monroe’s term.
Unit Understandings
- Students will understand that implementing the Constitution was a difficult process with no clear guidelines and no guarantee for success
- Students will understand the disagreements over the strength and ability of the new government
- Students will understand the disagreement over how to interpret the Constitution
- Students will understand the difficult balance between protecting the people from the government and having a strong government that can protect the people
- Students will understand the long term effects of the decisions made by the early administrations
- Students will understand the opportunities for growth presented by such events as the Louisiana Purchase and War of 1812
- Students will also understand the threats and challenges posed by the Louisiana Purchase and War of 1812
- Students will understand that the foreign policy changed from isolationism at the beginning of Washington’s Administration to progressive action during the War of 1812
- Students will understand how the War of 1812 increased the power of the United States in the world
Essential Questions
1) How did the power and the role of the national government change during this time of rapid growth and expansion?
2) Were the federalists and anti-federalists correct in their predictions about the success of the new government under the constitution?
3) How did the views of certain federalists or anti-federalists change over the course of the early administrations?
4) Is it ever okay to take away the right of free speech, such as Adams did with the Alien and Sedition acts?
5) How did the role of government change during the first five Presidential administrations?
6) Historically, why is there a struggle between liberty and security?
7) How did foreign policy evens such as the Louisiana Purchase and War of 1812 change the ideals of our government and our nation?
Home About Me Philosophy Statement Unit Reflection Videotape Analysis