Lesson
George Washington and Self-Governance
Guiding question
How did George Washington’s self- governance influence the early republic?
Founding Principles
Virtues
Guiding Questions
- How did George Washington’s self- governance influence the early republic?
- How did it influence what we value in both citizens and leaders?
Objectives
- Students will understand what self-governance means.
- Student will know how George Washington incorporated self-governance in early American government.
- Students will describe how this idea of self-governance has an impact on the world today.
Materials
Student Handouts
- Close-Reading: Washington in Houdon’s Art
- Close-Reading: Washington in Trumbull’s Art
- Self-Governance: George Washington and Self-Governance Essay
- Virtue in Action Class Activity: Critical Thinking Questions
- Virtue in Action: Individual Activities
- Self-Governance Worksheet
Teacher Resources
Lesson Components
Lesson plan
Key Terms
- Contribution
- Courage
- Humility
- Integrity
- Justice
More Information
Citations
Ellis, Joseph J. His Excellency: George Washington. New York: Vintage, 2005.
Leibiger, Stuart. Founding Friendship: George Washington, James Madison, and the Creation of the American Republic. Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2001.
Washington, George. “Farewell Address.” September 19, 1796
Washington, George. George Washington’s Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior. N.p.: CreateSpace Independent Platform, 2013.
Standards
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