Leading the Way

This passage focuses on George Washington, the first U.S. president, and how he shaped the executive branch. Washington set traditions, such as serving only two terms, which future presidents followed. He created the first Cabinet to help him govern, a system still used today. Other presidents like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Monroe also made decisions that strengthened the presidency. Their early leadership shaped the strong but limited presidency that continues now.

Passages like this build reading comprehension by presenting historical examples in sequence. They boost vocabulary with words like “Cabinet,” “tradition,” and “doctrine.” Students practice critical thinking by analyzing how leaders’ choices shaped long-term government roles. Exposure to clear and formal writing improves grammar skills. Finally, this type of reading enhances the ability to compare and contrast past and present leadership.