5.7 The Public Lives of Presidents

The Public Lives of Presidents

Lesson 5.7

How do presidents interact with the American people?

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​Essential Question

​Beyond their official roles, the American president can shape American life and the worldwide view of America. Let's see how...

When George Washington was a boy, he admitted to his father that he did chop down a cherry tree, saying, "I cannot tell a lie."

​​Myth or Fact?

​When Abraham Lincoln was a youth working at a country store, he overcharged a customer a few pennies and walked six miles to return the proper change.

​​Myth or Fact?

John F. Kennedy donated his $100,000 presidential salary to charity.

​​Myth or Fact?

Drag and Drop

MYTH OR FACT?

George Washington and the cherry tree​

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"Honest Abe" and the 6 mile walk​

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Kennedy and the donated $100,000 salary​ ​

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Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

PROBABLY FACT?

100% FACT

PROBABLY MYTH :(

“All I want is the same thing you want. To have a nation with a government that is as good and honest and decent and competent and compassionate and as filled with love as are the American people.”

​President Jimmy Carter
Served 1977-1981

​The president serves as Chief Citizen when they serve as an example of civic and moral leadership in times of peace and times of crisis.

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Poll

Today, presidents utilize television, debates, and even social media to portray their goals and other messages directly to the public. What do YOU think is the impact of this?

• Social media makes presidents seem more relatable, but it can also create divisions and spread misinformation.

• It's more about entertainment and drama than actual policies or solutions, so it doesn't feel very serious

• It allows them to spread their message faster and have more of an impact

• It makes it easier for presidents to connect directly with people and share their views without the media filtering them

First Ladies of the POTUS also represent the country in public ways

Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" program encouraged youth health and wellness

Nancy Reagan is remembered for her "Just Say No" campaign tied to cutting down youth drug use

Eleanor Roosevelt became a prominent advocate for human rights and even joined the UN in writing the UN Declaration of Human Rights after WWII.

​To get a feel for the everyday, public life of the President, let's watch some clips today from National Geographic's documentary...

Open Ended

SUMMARIZE

Write just ONE way you saw any of the presidents or first ladies acting in the role of "Chief Citizen" in the clip from the President's photographer that we just watched.