The founding of the United States government is intimately intertwined with George Washington’s own biography.
When exploring this topic, in civics, government, or history classes, students can connect to the big ideas of democracy through the choices made and opinions held by the man in the center of it all. As the president of the constitutional convention and the United States’ first president, Washington felt the responsibility to ensure the democratic experiment survived.
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The Acts of Congress George Washington’s copy of the Acts passed at a Congress of the United States of American (New-York, 1789) contains key founding documents establishing the Union: the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and a record of acts passed by the first Congress. In the margins of four separate pages Washington wrote the words “President,” “Powers,” and “Required,” underscoring the responsibilities of the first Chief Executive. |
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George Washington to Edward Carrington, May 1, 1796 This letter to Virginia statesman Edward Carrington, dated May 1, 1796 provides a glimpse into Washington’s mindset regarding the Jay Treaty. |
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Washington’s Farewell Address, 1796 Published in a Philadelphia newspaper on September 19, 1796, Washington used his Farewell Address to outline his advice to the new nation as he prepared to leave the presidency after two terms. |
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The Material Culture of the Presidency Eight objects from the Mount Vernon collection highlight how President George Washington used clothing and household furnishing to convey not only his own style and character, but the views of the young nation as well. |
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Food Supply Ledger, May 19-25, 1794 The Presidential household in Philadelphia was a bustling place. Weekly dinners and receptions hosted by George and Martha Washington required a large amount of food. This food ledger details the food ordered and the associated costs for one week in the Presidential household. |
Additional Primary Sources Related to the Presidency
Education
Digital Encyclopedia
Mount Vernon’s digital encyclopedia includes entries and primary sources on Washington’s life, world and experiences, while also covering the Mount Vernon estate, its history, and preservation.
Collections
Collections Online
Check out Mount Vernon's remarkable collection of Washington and Mount Vernon objects and artifacts.
For other related teacher and student tips and tools, look for this symbol.
The resources on this page are curated to support teacher and student needs.
Learn more about Washington and the founding of a new government.
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Classroom Materials
George Washington and the Founding of the US Government
- COLORING PAGE: Washington Family Coloring Page (Elementary School)
- WORKSHEET: George Washington’s Letter to Henry Knox
- WORKSHEET: Martha Washington’s Letter about the Presidency
- WORKSHEET: Presidency Comparison
- WORKSHEET: The Inauguration of George Washington, 1789
- LESSON PLAN: Establishing the Presidency (Middle School)
- LESSON PLAN: Who Are Our Greatest Presidents? (High School)
- LESSON PLAN: Washington’s Foreign Policy (High School)
- LESSON PLAN: “Meet the Press:” American Presidents (High School)