The Founding of the U.S. Government
After winning the American Revolution, the colonists became independent from Great Britain and formed the United States of America. However, it took a lot of planning, negotiating, and compromising to create a government that would work - and survive. Use this page to learn more about the founding of the U.S. Government through content pages, infographics, or the activity sheets below.
Creating a Government
After the Articles of Confederation were passed, people realized that the new governing system wouldn't hold up. So, they met - in secret - and created the Constitution.
Steps to the Presidency
George Washington was the obvious choice for president. However, he had to go through a lot of steps before finally accepting the presidency.
The First President
George Washington served for two terms as president. He worked through issues dealing with taxation, foreign diplomacy, indigenous affairs, and enslavement.
Stepping Down
After eight years, George Washington decided to resign as president. This allowed America to experience an unprecedented peaceful transition of power from one leader to the next.
Washington's Legacy
Maya Hawke, Harrison Ford, and others explain the significance of our government in these short videos.
Infographic - Creating a Government
Explore an infographic highlighting George Washington's role in creating a new American government, examining his presidency, policies, and precedents. Created by 2024 LifeGuard Teacher Fellows Emily Finch and Tamera Johnson.
Primary Sources
Use these Primary Sources to learn about the U.S. Government!
- The United States Constitution
- The United States Bill of Rights
- Acts of Congress
- Key to the Bastille
- First State of the Union
- First Inaugural Address
- Presidential Food Supply Ledger
- Washington's Coat
- Butter Cooler
- Anti-Slavery Token
- Neutrality Proclamation
- Whiskey Rebellion Proclamation
- Elizabeth Powel to George Washington, 1792
- The Farewell Address
- George Washington to Edward Carrington, 1796
- George Washington's Will
Secondary Sources
Use these Secondary Sources to learn more about the U.S. Government!
- The Constitutional Contention
- George Washington and the Constitutional Convention
- Key Players of the Constitutional Convention
- Key Issues of the Constitutional Convention
- Washington's Constitution
- The Acts of Congress
- A More Perfect Union Film
- Foundations of Democracy Videos
- Timeline of George Washington's Inauguration
- The First President
- The First First Lady
- 10 Facts about Washington's Presidency
- The First Cabinet
- George Washington and Religious Freedom
- George Washington's New England Tour
- Presiding in a Crisis
- The First Supreme Court
- George Washington and Slavery
- George Washington and Native Americans
- The Neutrality Proclamation
- Be Washington: The Genet Affair
- The Whiskey Rebellion
- Be Washington: The Whiskey Rebellion
- Why Didn't Washington Want to Be King? Video
- George Washington's Farewell Address
- George Washington's Death
Teaching about U.S. Government
Are you a teacher looking for resources to teach about Government in your class? Look no further! Click the link to explore Activity Suggestions, helpful videos, and more!
