In 1789, Americans chose George Washington to be the very first president. He had led the army to victory, and the people trusted him more than anyone.
Washington had a hard job — nobody had ever been a president before! He had to figure out everything: how to lead, how to choose helpers, even what people should call him. He picked a simple title: "Mr. President."
Some people wanted Washington to be president forever, like a king. But he said no. After eight years, he went home to his farm at Mount Vernon. By stepping down, he showed that in America, no leader is bigger than the country. That is why he is called the Father of Our Country.
1. What year did Washington become president?
2. Why was his job so hard?
3. What did Washington do after eight years?
4. What is Washington's famous nickname?
Write what each word means in your own words.
Write T for true or F for false in each circle.
Number these events 1 to 4 in the order they happened.
| Event | Order (1–4) |
|---|---|
| Washington goes home to Mount Vernon. | |
| Washington leads the army in the Revolution. | |
| Washington becomes the first president in 1789. | |
| Washington serves eight years as president. |
1. Washington gave up power when he could have kept it. Why was that a great example?
1. Washington became president in .
2. Nobody had ever been a before.
3. He chose the simple title " President."
4. He served for years.
5. Then he went home to Mount .
6. He is called the of Our Country.
Washington is on the one-dollar bill and the quarter! Draw your own coin or dollar with George Washington's face on it.
| I learned... | Circle one |
|---|---|
| Who the first president was | YES / NOT YET |
| Why his job was hard | YES / NOT YET |
| Why stepping down was a great example | YES / NOT YET |