Educating Young People about the Constitution

Presidents and the Constitution, Vol. 2 Faithfully Execute: Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion

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Presidents and the Constitution Resources

The Presidential Oath of Office states I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States But it doesnt mention anything about how the Office of President should execute laws.

Directions: Read Dr. David Marions essay. Underline or highlight the facts you think are important.
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The President as Enforcer of the Law

Constitutional Connection Activity

Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion

Critical Engagement Question Assess George Washingtons decision to use military force to subdue the Whiskey Rebellion. Objectives Understand the historical events leading up to the Whiskey Rebellion. Analyze the Whiskey Rebellion from Multiple Perspectives. Evaluate Washingtons decision to use military force against rebelling farmers in 1794. assess criticism of Washingtons handling of the Whiskey Rebellion.
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Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion

Background/Homework Read Handout A:George Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion and answer all the questions.

Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion

Background/Homework continued 1. What federal law was the focus of protests in the Whiskey Rebellion? 2. Why did President Washington consider using military force against the protestors? 3. Why did Washington involve other branches and levels of government in his decision. 4. Why did Washington blame democratic societies for the crisis? Did he go too far? 5. The Constitution assigns the President the responsibility to take care that laws are faithfully executed and makes him Commander in Chief of the military. How did Washington understand these duties?
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Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion

Warm-Up Complete Handout B: Setting the Scene Create a timeline of the major events leading up to the Whiskey Rebellion from 1790-1794.

Present your information.

Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion

Activity Using Handout C: Press Conference, prepare for a Press Conference on the Whiskey Rebellion. Prepare to either be asked questions, or picked to ask questions of others.

Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion

Activity Research and prepare your answers to be one of the following people:
1. George Washington 2. Alexander Hamilton 3. Western Pennsylvania Farmer 4. James Wilson 5. Democratic Society Member 6. Tax Collector 7. Thomas Jefferson 8. Reporter

Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion

Activity II Jigsaw All Hamiltons, Washingtons, Tax Collectors, etc. meet in small groups to determine what you will say/ask in the Press Conference Complete Handout C.

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Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion

Activity II Jigsaw Jigsaw into groups of 7 (with one Hamilton, one Washington, one Tax Collector, etc.) Everyone should ask and answer questions of each other.

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Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion

Activity Six Volunteers will be called up to be a panel. These six volunteers will respond to questions while the rest of the class plays reporter.

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Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion

Wrap-Up Discuss and answer the following questions: Was Washingtons response appropriate to the situation, or was it excessive? Were his actions constitutional? Why do you think Washington consulted with other branches and levels of government in making the decision to use military force to subdue the Whiskey Rebellion?

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Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion

Homework Write a newspaper editorial about the Whiskey Rebellion and Washingtons response. Answer the questions: 1. Was his action prudent? 2. Was it Constitutional?
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Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion

Extension Read Washingtons Sixth Annual Message to Congress and answer the following questions: In what ways does he refer to the Constitution? How does he explain his actions? How would you assess his explanations?

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