In this activity, students will make a list of the pros and cons of being the president of the United States. So You Want to Be President? describes many reasons why it would be a good idea to be president and many reasons why it wouldn’t. Students can compile a list of pros and cons from textual evidence alone, by researching on the internet, or in other books. Using the T-Chart, students will list and illustrate the pros in one column and the cons in the other.
Here is an example:
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Student Instructions
Create a pros and cons list of being the president of the United States.
Involve students in a class election to help them apply their knowledge about presidents and leadership. This practical activity encourages critical thinking and teamwork as students experience the process firsthand.
Organize your class into small groups and have each group select a 'candidate.' Assign campaign roles such as campaign manager, speechwriter, and poster designer to promote collaboration and responsibility.
Support each team as they write a persuasive campaign speech and design creative posters using facts from their pros and cons lists. This step builds communication and presentation skills.
Facilitate a respectful debate where each candidate shares their speech and answers questions from classmates. Debating helps students practice active listening and critical thinking.
Distribute ballots for a private class vote, then tally and announce the results. Finish by reflecting on the election process, leadership qualities, and what students learned about being president.
Pros of being president include living in the White House, enjoying special amenities like a pool and movie theater, and having a chance to make important decisions. Cons include always being in the spotlight, not having much privacy, and dealing with criticism from the public.
Students can create a pros and cons list by reading books like So You Want to Be President?, researching online, and discussing ideas. Using a T-Chart, they can write pros in one column and cons in the other, then add drawings to illustrate each point.
A T-Chart is a simple graphic organizer with two columns, often used to compare two sides of a topic—like pros and cons. In class, students use T-Charts to organize thoughts, support arguments, or brainstorm ideas visually.
The White House has unique perks, such as a swimming pool, a bowling alley, and a private movie theater. The president and family also have a large staff to help with daily life, making it a special place to live.
Some students might not want to be president because it means giving up privacy, always being watched, and having to make tough decisions. It can also be stressful if people disagree with your choices or criticize you.