Jan 072024
 

flagPresidential elections occurred in the United States for the first time in 1789. Basically George Washington ran unopposed. He received 69 electoral votes. John Adams won 34 electoral votes. Therefore, according to the Constitution at that time, Washington became president, and Adams became vice president. Children can check out an absolutely amazing website and see ANY presidential election result at: http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/.

Apr 302024
 
George Washington

George Washington

George Washington was inaugurated President of the United States in 1789 in New York City. Idea: Present Presidents are inaugurated on January 20 in Washington, DC. Children could try to figure out why George Washington’s inauguration was in April (instead of January) and in New York City (instead of Washington, DC). They could also read a transcript of his speech at: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/inaugtxt.html.

Jun 082024
 
James Madison, Bill of Rights, Constitution

James Madison

James Madison suggested the Bill of Rights in 1789. He realized that many people felt the new Constitution was not strong enough without some statements about individual rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The Bill of Rights added the first ten amendments to the Constitution and became effective December 15, 1791. Children could read a kid-friendly version of the rights: Bill of Rights.

Jul 142024
 

Flag of France

France celebrates Fête de la Fédération, also known as Bastille Day. In 1789 the Bastille fell to the rioting people, marking the beginning of the French Revolution. France is a bit smaller than Texas, and the Mediterranean Sea, the Bay of Biscay, and the English Channel all border the country. Almost 66 million people live in France. Paris is the capital. Idea: Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities gives great insight into the French Revolution. Children could learn more at: France.

Sep 022024
 
Treasury Building in Washington, D.C., with Statue of Alexander Hamilton in Front

Treasury Building in Washington, D.C., with Statue of Alexander Hamilton in Front

Treasury Department was created by Congress in 1789. Alexander Hamilton was the first Secretary of the Treasury. Most historians feel he expertly guided the department through its infancy into a well-established part of the government. The Treasury Department is responsible for:

  • Making currency
  • Collecting taxes, duties, and money owed to the government
  • Paying US government bills
  • Monitoring national banks
  • Publishing reports on state of treasury

Over 100,000 people work in the Treasury Department. Children could visit the department’s website at: Treasury Department. Who is the current secretary of the treasury?

Sep 222024
 

United States Post Office and the office of Postmaster General were created by Congress in 1789. Today the Post Office employs 700,000 people to deliver 213 billion items per year. It “delivers mail by planes, hovercraft, trains, trucks, cars, boats, ferries, helicopters, subways, bicycles, mules and feet.” It employs about 68,000 veterans, making it one of the largest employers of veterans. Children could find some interesting fun facts about the post office at Post Office.

1940 Rural Postman Delivering Mail along Creeks and Roads near Jackson, Kentucky

1940 Rural Postman Delivering Mail along Creeks and Roads near Jackson, Kentucky