The president plays a major role in the U.S. government as leader of the country. The decisions a president makes affects the whole country and the people of the country.
Presidents should set an example for themselves. It is important the president demonstrates being a good role model and an effective leader. Some past presidents have made many good and bad decisions, which had different effects on the country.
For this activity, students will research a past president and understand that a President’s action and their consequences affect the country. The students will gather pertinent factual information through secondary sources and create a T Chart with two rows for one president.
Example
George Washington was responsible for the creation of the nation’s important institutions, including government finance, public credit, federal taxation, currency and banking. By doing this, the US developed a strong economy.
Students may orally present their storyboards to the class. Engage in a discussion on the actions of a president and ask how things might have changed history if that action had not been not taken. In the student’s point of view, did the president do the right thing?
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Objective: Create a T Chart that describes two decisions a past president made during their time in office as president.
Student Instructions:
Requirements:
Create a timeline on your classroom wall or bulletin board for students to map out key presidential decisions and their outcomes. This visual helps students connect actions with consequences over time and deepens understanding of cause and effect in history.
Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different president or a specific decision to investigate. Collaboration encourages deeper research and lets students learn from each other’s findings.
Direct students to trustworthy websites, books, or databases for their research. Emphasize evaluating sources for accuracy and bias to build critical thinking skills.
Let students present their findings as posters, slideshows, or short skits. Creative formats boost engagement and help students express their understanding in diverse ways.
Lead a class discussion where students reflect on how presidential decisions shaped the country. Encourage questions and connections to current events to foster critical analysis.
A president's decisions can shape laws, the economy, national security, and even the daily lives of citizens. Their choices may lead to positive or negative changes, affecting everything from government policies to how citizens view leadership.
To create a T Chart, students list two key decisions a president made on the left side and describe or illustrate the effects of each decision on the country on the right side. This helps visualize the link between actions and their consequences.
Presidents serve as national role models because their behavior and values set an example for citizens, especially young people. Demonstrating integrity and strong leadership encourages trust and respect in government.
Examples include George Washington establishing national institutions, Abraham Lincoln issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, and Franklin D. Roosevelt launching the New Deal. Each decision had significant effects on the country's direction and well-being.
Presidential actions often set new policies or respond to crises, which can alter the nation's trajectory. These choices may lead to reforms, conflicts, economic shifts, or social change, influencing future generations.