George Washington: Setting Up a New Republic
Students learn about the election of George Washington as the first President of the United States and the challenges he faced in this new job. They watch a video that explains these challenges and the steps that Washington took to solve the problems of the new republic. Finally, they explain the steps in further detail and consider how Washington might have felt about the awesome responsibility he was handed.
Establishing an Economic System
Students learn about the key components of Alexander Hamilton's financial plan, including the institution of a distilled spirits excise tax, which led to the Whiskey Rebellion in Pennsylvania. They learn about the causes and effects of the rebellion and evaluate both sides of the conflict.
Washington’s Foreign Policy
Students learn about Washington's foreign policy, the Proclamation of Neutrality, and Washington's Farewell Address. They discover the impact that Washington's address has on our government today.
Origins of Political Parties
Students learn about the contrasting views of Hamilton and Jefferson and the origin of the first political parties. They will explore the election of 1796 and write about the candidates' platforms.
John Adams: Foreign Policy (The XYZ Affair)
In this experience, students explore the XYZ affair as a reflection of the foreign policy of John Adams. Then they analyze a political cartoon about the XYZ affair. Finally, they consider the options that Adams had for protecting U.S. ships, and they build an argument to support one of the options.
The Alien and Sedition Acts
Students learn about the Alien and Sedition Acts passed by John Adams and the Federalist government in 1798. Then they research how these new laws impacted citizens at the time.
The Election of 1800
Students learn about the election of 1800 between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, which was eventually decided by Congress. Then they read about why this election set a precedent for future elections.
Jeffersonian Republicanism
Students learn about Thomas Jefferson's first term in office and his efforts to limit the size of the federal government. Then students analyze Jeffersonian quotes and determine how they relate to the way Jefferson ran the federal government.
Marbury v. Madison
Students learn about the significance and effects of the Supreme Court case of Marbury v. Madison. Then they evaluate key Supreme Court cases that have been determined using the power of judicial review.
The Louisiana Purchase
Students learn about the major causes and effects of the Louisiana Purchase. Then, they use the information from multiple sources to prepare a timeline of events leading up to the signing of The Louisiana Purchase Treaty.
Lewis and Clark Expedition
Students learn about the exploration of the Louisiana Territory by Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery and Zebulon Pike. They read some of the travel journals of Lewis and Clark and then create a series of journal entries of their own.
Jefferson’s Foreign Policy
Students learn about Thomas Jefferson's foreign policies, including the causes and effects of the Barbary Wars and the conflicts surrounding the Embargo Act of 1807. Then, they evaluate political cartoons depicting the Embargo Act.
Lead-up to the War of 1812
Students learn about the causes of the War of 1812 and the challenges the United States faced in preparing for a war with Great Britain. Then, students write a persuasive argument supporting or opposing the war.
The War of 1812
Students learn about the important events of the War of 1812 and the effect it had on the new nation. Then, students conduct research on the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and the Battle of Fort McHenry.
The Era of Good Feelings and The Missouri Compromise
Students learn about James Monroe's first term in office during the "Era of Good Feelings." Then, they read about the Missouri Compromise of 1820. Finally, students complete a map of the slave and free states at the time of the Missouri Compromise.
Monroe’s Domestic Policy
Students learn about the domestic issues that existed during James Monroe's Presidency, including the banking crisis and Panic of 1819. Then, students read about how the banking crisis led to the landmark Supreme Court case of McCulloch v. Maryland. Finally, students explore the case further and evaluate the two major constitutional issues that were raised in the case.
The Monroe Doctrine
Students learn about U.S. foreign policy under Monroe, including the Monroe Doctrine and policies toward Florida.
