U.S. Presidency: 1841-1857

The White House

Key Objectives:  Define "legitimacy."
                            Define "authority."

Key Questions:  Who was the best of these Presidents?  Why?
                           Who was the worst of these Presidents?  Why?

John Tyler (1841-1845)

Critical Thinking Question:  What were Tyler's contributions to the U.S. Presidency?

James K. Polk (1845-1849)

Critical Thinking Question:  What were Polk's contributions to the U.S. Presidency?

Zachary Taylor (1849-1850)

Critical Thinking Question:  What were Taylor's contributions to the U.S. Presidency?

Millard Fillmore (1850-1853)

Critical Thinking Question:  What were Fillmore's contributions to the U.S. Presidency?

Franklin Pierce (1853-1857)

Critical Thinking Question:  What were Pierce's contributions to the U.S. Presidency?

Activity

1.) Watch the relevant episode(s) of The History Channel's The Presidents mini-series (on DVD or with a digital copy).
2.) Complete a graphic organizer (see attachment) while watching the content.
3.) Students will post their appropriate comments on the board with teacher guidance, generating appropriate discussion and oral Q&A.
4.) NOTE:  If you do not have access to The Presidents series, find another appropriate video resource (i.e. Discovery Education with an appropriate subscription) and use that to implement the lesson.