Lesson Plan

Man of Many Hats

The many hats worn by the President.
Grade Level:
Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
Subject:
Social Studies
Lesson Duration:
60 Minutes
State Standards:
Benchmark A:
Identify the responsibilities of the branches of the United States government and explain why they are necessary.
Grade Level Indicators: 5.1, Grade Level Indicators: 6.1

Essential Question

What did President William Howard Taft do before he became the President of the United States of America?

Objective

To identify the three branches of government.
To understand that the President must be multi - dimensional because the decisions he makes will impact the American People.
List the two highest positions held during William Howard Taft's career.

Background

While Congress makes laws and the courts interpret or explain the laws, the President of the United states has seven different roles to play or hats that must be worn in order for him to perform his job effectively for the country.

The several role /hats of the President:

  • Chief Executive
  • Chief of State
  • Chief Diplomat
  • Chief Legislator
  • Commander -in - chief
  • Party Leader
  • Comforter - in - chief

Preparation

Teacher: can collect different styles of work hats that pretain to public servants i.e. police, military, and helments. These will represent the many hats worn by the President.

  • Chief Executive hat
  • Chief Diplomat hat
  • Chief Legislator hat
  • Commander - in - chief hat
  • Party Leader hat
  • Comforter - in - chief hat
  • Crisis Manager hat

Procedure

  1. Divide students into small groups and give each group an assorment of newspapers and magazines. have students use these sources to create a scrapbook of pictures, drawings, and articles related to the President and the government. let students know that there's generally something related to the president and government in the editorial section of the newspaper.
  2. tell the students about decisions made and actions taken by President Taft. Have the students identify which hat Taft wore in each situation. (Encourage students to NOT wear the hats)
  3. Teachers read statements about the editorial and have students name or point out what hat the president is wear when he made the decision or role he was carrying out as president.

Contact Information

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Tags: president presidents taft william howard taft supreme court of the united states public service politics and government judge

Last updated: December 9, 2019