Bell Ringer: The Antebellum Era: The New Nation of the USA Part 1

8.H.2.1 Explain the impact of economic, political, social, and military conflicts (e.g. war, slavery, states’ rights and citizenship and immigration policies) on the development of North Carolina and the United States.

8.C&G.1.3 Analyze differing viewpoints on the scope and power of state and national governments (e.g. Federalists and anti-Federalists, education, immigration and healthcare).

Instructions: Read the description below and answer the questions.

Description: When the Constitution was created, three branches were formed for the United States. These sections were called the Legislative (Congress), Judicial (Supreme Court), and Executive (President) branches. For the Executive branch, the President, George Washington, was allowed to create a Cabinet that could assist him in his duties. The following men were chosen to serve with Washington, Henry Knox became the Secretary of War, Alexander Hamilton became the Secretary of Treasury (finances), Thomas Jefferson became the Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs), and Edmund Randolph became the Attorney General (enforcing laws). These men became known as Washington’s “Cabinet” to assist him.

Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. Why was the government broken up into 3 branches? 
2. Why was there a desire to divide the power?
3. Who were the men that made up Washington's cabinet and what were their positions?
4. Why do you think Washington needed a cabinet? 
5. Why couldn’t he just manage issues with war, foreign relations, finances, and legal matters all by himself?