Today's activity will take us to the world of the President...after all it is President's Day. President's Day celebrates George Washington and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays. The only problem is that President Washington's birthday isn't always on the third Monday of each month. In fact, it isn't until this coming Sunday, and old Abe's was last Thursday. Instead, it is a ceremonial day that is meant to honor two of our greatest Presidents, that just happen to have birthdays close to each other.
Today we are going to examine what the President does. We know from last unit that he signs bills to make laws, but surely he doesn't need that big house, huge airplane, and tons of people working for him to take care of signing a few pieces of paper. So if that's not all the Prez. does, then what else is there?
Below is a short article that you should read with a partner, that gives some explanation to what the President does when they aren't signing bills.
-When you've completed the reading, answer these questions as partners. You don't have to turn anything in, just be prepared to answer them in class.
1. When it comes to public relations and representing a nation, what types of things does a President do?
2. What is the role of the President in regards to the Army?
3. While working as the leader of the executive branch, what does the President mainly do?
Below is an article that shows how much money each President was worth when they started as President. Presidents don't take that job for the money they make while being President (because it isn't much), but they certainly don't seem to be hurting for money either.
Answer these questions:
1. Who were the three richest Presidents?
2. Name two of the poorest?
3. Where does the current President rank, and how much is he worth?
4. How did the current President make his money?
5. What does this article suggest about becoming President?