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Website
George Washington University

Birth of a Nation: The First Federal Congress 1789 1791

For Students 9th - 10th
An exhaustive look at the first Congress during George Washington's presidency. Find out about the precedents that were set and the interpretations that had to be made about the new Constitution. A fabulous site from George Washington...
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Primary
University of Missouri

Famous Trials: Alexander Hamilton Biography

For Students 9th - 10th
This excellent biography of Alexander Hamilton is part of the University of Missouri's "Famous Trials" site. With text links to personal letters and other documents written by Hamilton.
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Article
PBS

Pbs: American Experience: Alexander Hamilton

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of Alexander Hamilton from the documentary program AMERICAN EXPERIENCE: The Duel, produced by PBS.
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Graphic
Other

Mt. Vernon Ladies' Association: Washington's "First 100 Days"

For Students 9th - 10th
A "President's First 100 Days" has become a barometer by which to measure the success of the rest of his term. George Washington had the added weight of launching our new nation in his first 100 days. Use this interactive timeline to see...
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Lesson Plan
Stanford University

Sheg: Document Based History: Reading Like a Historian: Hamilton v. Jefferson

For Teachers 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read primary source documents to solve a problem surrounding a historical question. In this inquiry lesson, two letters to George Washington allow students to consider the competing politics...
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Website
Digital History

Digital History: The New Nation [Pdf]

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Many problems existed for the new United States. Read about issues facing George Washington as the new President, and find out about the major successes of the first Congress. [PDF]
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Website
Digital History

Digital History: Hamilton and Jefferson the Men and Their Philosophies [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton played a huge role not only in crafting important documents in U.S. history, but also by serving as secretaries in George Washington's first cabinet. Read about their diametrically opposing...
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Handout
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: President Washington

For Students 9th - 10th
One of the last acts of the Congress of the Confederation was to arrange for the first presidential election, setting March 4, 1789, as the date that the new government would come into being. One name was on everyone's lips for the new...
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Handout
US Department of State

U.s. Department of State: Thomas Jefferson: First Secretary of State, 1790 1793

For Students 9th - 10th
This site by the Bureau of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of State offers information about Thomas Jefferson's role as the first Secretary of State to George Washington.
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Activity
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Why Does the President Need a Cabinet?

For Students 9th - 10th
Find out why a president needs a cabinet and scroll down to find out about President Washington's first Cabinet.
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Interactive
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Colonial Williamsburg: Edmund Randolph Fact Sheet

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides some insight into Randolph's family as well as political life.
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Handout
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: Historic Valley Forge: Major General Alexander Hamilton

For Students 9th - 10th
A short biography of Alexander Hamilton containing information on his military service during the American Revolution as well as his later life in politics.
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Handout
Other

Hall of the Secretaries of State: Thomas Jefferson

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides a brief profile account of Jefferson's career as a Secretary of State. It includes a list of notable events during his office.
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Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Henry Knox: Secretary of War

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about Henry Knox, George Washington's first Secretary of War. Particularly interesting is his intent to honor the treaties made with the Native Americans.
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Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: Edmund Randolph

For Students 9th - 10th
Ushistory.org provides this biography of Edmund Randolph includes highlights of his political career and his role during the Constitutional Convention. Randolph went on to serve as Secretary of State.
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Article
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: Founding Fathers: New York: Alexander Hamilton

For Students 9th - 10th
A short biography of one of America's founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton.