HS Government Reading and Writing Workshop

Reading and Writing Workshop: Presidential Powers
​Unit Overview:
This workshop focuses on exploring the powers of the U.S. President as outlined in Article II of the Constitution and their evolution through public domain texts, such as speeches, letters, and historical documents. Students will read and analyze these works, focusing on how presidential powers have been exercised and interpreted over time. The workshop will also involve writing exercises where students develop their argumentative and analytical skills related to presidential powers.
Unit Objectives:By the end of the unit, students will be able to:
  1. Read and analyze public domain works related to presidential powers.
  2. Discuss the historical and constitutional context of presidential powers.
  3. Write analytical essays and responses based on historical examples of presidential power.
  4. Develop arguments regarding the balance of presidential power using evidence from primary sources.

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Workshop and Public Domain TextsObjective: Introduce students to the concept of presidential powers and familiarize them with key public domain documents.
Activities:
  • Class Discussion: What are presidential powers, and why are they important? Briefly review Article II of the U.S. Constitution.
  • Introduction to Public Domain: Discuss the importance of public domain texts for understanding history and government. Explain that students will be reading and analyzing key public domain documents.
  • Assigned Reading: Excerpts from The Federalist Papers (No. 69, 70) where Alexander Hamilton discusses the executive branch and the role of the President.
Reading Focus:
  • The role of the President as outlined in The Federalist Papers.
  • The necessity of a strong, independent executive to protect the country and ensure stability.
Writing Prompt:
  • After reading, write a short response: "What reasons does Hamilton give for the need for a strong, independent executive, and do you think these arguments still apply today?"

Lesson 2: Presidential Powers in Action – Lincoln’s War PowersObjective: Analyze how President Abraham Lincoln expanded presidential powers during the Civil War.
Activities:
  • Assigned Reading: Excerpt from Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation (1863), his House Divided speech (1858), and his Suspension of Habeas Corpus (1861).
  • Class Discussion: How did Lincoln justify his actions? How did these actions expand or challenge the powers of the President?
  • Group Work: In small groups, students will read and summarize the excerpts and identify the key arguments for and against Lincoln’s expansion of presidential power.
Writing Prompt:
  • Write an essay arguing whether or not Lincoln’s actions during the Civil War (e.g., suspension of habeas corpus, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation) were justified under the Constitution. Use evidence from the texts to support your position.

Lesson 3: The Imperial Presidency – FDR and the New DealObjective: Examine how President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s actions during the Great Depression expanded the power of the presidency.
Activities:
  • Assigned Reading: Excerpt from Franklin D. Roosevelt’s First Inaugural Address (1933) and his Fireside Chats (public domain texts).
  • Class Discussion: What challenges did FDR face, and how did he use the powers of the presidency to address them? How did Roosevelt justify his New Deal programs and the increased role of the federal government?
  • Writing Assignment: Write a reflection on the following: "How did FDR’s leadership style and use of presidential power during the Great Depression shape the modern presidency?"

Lesson 4: Analysis of Presidential Power – A Case Study of the Cuban Missile CrisisObjective: Understand how presidential powers were exercised during a Cold War crisis.
Activities:
  • Assigned Reading: Excerpts from President John F. Kennedy’s speeches and letters during the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962). (Although JFK’s speeches are not technically in the public domain, various government archives offer declassified versions that can be used for educational purposes.)
  • Class Discussion: How did Kennedy use presidential powers during the Cuban Missile Crisis? What were the political and military ramifications of his decisions?
  • Group Work: Break students into groups to analyze a speech or letter, identifying key themes and the exercise of presidential powers in response to a national emergency.
Writing Prompt:
  • In a well-organized essay, discuss how Kennedy’s decisions during the Cuban Missile Crisis reflect the powers of the President outlined in the Constitution. Were his actions justified given the potential threat to national security?

Lesson 5: Presidential Powers and the Constitution – Analyzing Article IIObjective: Dive deeply into Article II of the U.S. Constitution and analyze its interpretation over time.
Activities:
  • Assigned Reading: Full text of Article II of the U.S. Constitution. Students will also read a brief historical overview of the debates at the Constitutional Convention about the presidency.
  • Class Discussion: How did the Framers of the Constitution envision the powers of the President? What concerns did they have about potential abuse of power, and how did they attempt to limit the President’s authority?
  • Small Group Work: Have students create a visual representation (poster, digital mind map, etc.) of the powers granted to the President under Article II and the checks on those powers.
Writing Prompt:
  • Write an analytical essay: "Based on the language of Article II, how did the Framers envision the role and powers of the President? How have these powers evolved over time?"

Lesson 6: Conclusion – The Balance of Power and Modern Presidential LeadershipObjective: Reflect on the growth and challenges of presidential powers today.
Activities:
  • Assigned Reading: Excerpt from Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Farewell Address (1961), in which he discusses the "military-industrial complex" and the powers of the executive branch.
  • Class Discussion: How do modern presidents balance their powers? How have presidential powers expanded or been limited by later events, like the Vietnam War or the Watergate scandal?
  • Debate: Students will debate the following question: "Is the modern presidency too powerful?" Students will use evidence from historical texts, speeches, and their own analyses to support their positions.
Writing Assignment:
  • Students will write a final reflection paper answering the following question: "How has the exercise of presidential power evolved since the founding of the United States, and what are the potential consequences of these changes for American democracy?"

Assessment:
  • Formative: Participation in class discussions, group activities, and debates.
  • Summative: Analytical essays based on the assigned reading and writing prompts.
  • Peer Review: Students can engage in peer review for their written essays, providing constructive feedback based on the analysis of presidential powers.
Additional Resources:
  • Online Public Domain Archives: Students will be directed to resources like Project Gutenberg, the National Archives, and the Library of Congress to access public domain works related to presidential powers.
  • Supplementary Readings: Excerpts from George Washington’s letters, Thomas Jefferson’s writings, and other Founding Fathers' documents.

This reading and writing workshop will provide students with a deep, historical understanding of presidential powers, utilizing public domain texts to analyze key moments in U.S. history. Through both reading and writing, students will refine their skills in historical analysis, critical thinking, and argumentative writing.
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