A Roadmap For Our Country

Mr. James Tweed IV

Manalapan High School

Is it a good idea to remain neutral in order to avoid conflict? Why or Why Not?

Consider what the alternative(s) would be if you chose sides.

To explain the importance of what Washington said during his farewell address upon leaving office. (Bloom-Evaluate)

It is important that the federal government and individual states be unified in their approach to governing.

This will ensure that all goals of the US Constitution are met.

If this does not happen, it will not be easy to achieve the goals outline within it and those stated in the Declaration of Independence (Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness).

Washington felt that the political party system would cause the government to lose focus on what was best for the country and stress greater importance on what was “good for the party.”

Question: Have we followed Washington’s advice? Yes or no? Provide an example

Washington felt that whenever there was a question of what was right and wrong, that the religion and morality should guide in the decision making.

Question: Does these principles hold true today?

Washington felt that in terms of credit and debt, the nation should adopt the mindset that we should not accumulate debt. If we did, all efforts should be made to pay off the debt even if it meant raising money through taxes.

Washington advised the country to avoid “foreign entanglements” and not get into any permanent alliances with other countries, as they may draw us into conflicts with other nations when there was no need for it.

Question: Do you know of any conflicts that we’ve been brought into because of our alliances?

Washington felt that it was not necessary to have a military that was larger than one that was needed in order to defend the country from attacks. Anything else could be perceived as threatening to other countries in the world.

At the beginning of today’s lesson, I said that Washington’s Farewell Address was a roadmap of sorts to help us govern our young country well into the future.

Based upon what we have discussed today you homework assignment is to answer the following question: Have we followed Washington’s map, or have we gone off course? Explain your answer and provide evidence to defend it. (It may be a good idea to ask your parents their opinions)

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