First U.S. Presidential Election Facts

The video explores the evolution of election campaigns from George Washington's time to the present. It highlights the unique nature of the first presidential election in 1789, where Washington was unanimously elected without a formal campaign. The process involved electors chosen by states, with some states allowing limited public voting. The video also discusses the expansion of voting rights over time, emphasizing the struggle to include various groups in the democratic process.

What is a common feature of modern election campaigns?

• No political parties

• Lawn signs and TV ads

• No election season

• Unanimous voting

What was unusual about the year of the first U.S. presidential election?

• It was the first election with political parties

• It was the only election held in an odd year

• It was held in an even year

• It was held in December

How were electors chosen in the first presidential election?

• By the Supreme Court

• By the states

• By the president

• By a national vote

Which group was allowed to vote in some states during the first election?

• All women

• All men

• White men over 21 who owned property

• Native Americans

What was a major challenge during the first presidential election?

• All states voted

• No states voted

• Some states did not vote

• All states missed the deadline

Who became the vice president after the first election?

• James Madison

• Alexander Hamilton

• John Adams

• Thomas Jefferson

What was George Washington's reaction to his election victory?

• He was disappointed

• He was surprised

• He was not surprised

• He refused to accept

What significant change has occurred in American democracy since the first election?

• Voting rights have been restricted

• The vice president is no longer elected

• Voting rights have been expanded

• The president is now chosen by Congress

Which group was not originally included in the right to vote?

• Black men

• White men

• Women

• Eighteen-year-olds

What is a key takeaway about the right to vote?

• It was a long struggle to extend it to all

• It has always been universal

• It is not important

• It was easily achieved