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Citizenship and Washington's Presidency

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Citizenship and Washington's Presidency

Read the briefing and complete the activities. Use evidence from the briefing in your written answers.

Briefing: Citizenship and a New Government

The U.S. Constitution took effect in 1789, creating a stronger national government with three branches: Congress makes laws, the president leads the executive branch, and federal courts interpret laws. Federal courts make up the judicial branch. The Constitution sets out how government works. The first ten amendments, called the Bill of Rights, protect important liberties, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections for people accused of crimes. George Washington became the first U.S. president in 1789. He took the oath in New York City, which was then the temporary national capital. The White House was not his workplace: it was completed after his presidency. Washington helped establish practices for the new office, including forming a group of advisers called the Cabinet and stepping down after two terms. Citizenship includes rights and responsibilities. People can express opinions and take part in civic life. Citizens have responsibilities such as obeying laws and, when called, serving on a jury. Voting is a key way citizens influence government, but the right to vote has not always been equally available. In Washington’s era, state laws generally barred women and many men—especially men without property—from voting. Over time, constitutional amendments and laws expanded voting rights. Today, eligible citizens can vote, and citizens have a responsibility to learn about issues and participate.

Read, Reason, and Connect

Answer each question using the briefing. For multiple-choice questions, choose one answer unless told otherwise.

1.Which statement best explains the purpose of the U.S. Constitution?

It sets out how the government works.
It lists every decision made by the president.
It is a newspaper describing elections.

2.Which document contains the first ten amendments, including protections for freedom of speech and religion?

3.True or false: George Washington worked in the White House during his presidency. Explain your answer in a phrase.

4.Select the two responsibilities described in the briefing.

Obey laws
Serve on a jury when called
Own a house
Agree with every government decision

5.The Constitution divides the national government into three branches: Congress, the executive branch, and the branch.

6.Match each part of government to its main role as described in the briefing.

Congress
President and executive branch
Federal courts

Leads the executive branch
Makes laws
Interpret laws

7.Why would it be inaccurate to say that everyone in the United States could vote when Washington became president?

8.Name one practice Washington established as president and explain how it could help the new government.

9.Lucy reads different viewpoints about a local issue and then discusses her opinion respectfully. Which Bill of Rights freedom is most directly connected to expressing her opinion?

10.Give one example from the briefing of how civic participation or voting rights changed over time, and explain why that change matters.