Extensions

Extension Activity:  Andrew Johnson

Have students re-try Andrew Johnson using the following procedures and materials:

A. Divide the class into three groups: Attorneys for Johnson, House Republicans, and Senators (you may wish to subdivide groups). You or a student can serve as the presiding officer, the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court. They should work in groups to complete Handout 1: Impeachment Briefing Sheet, using Handout 2: The Tenure of Office Act, and Handout 3: Provisions of the U.S. Constitution as references.

B. On the board, write, "Is President Andrew Johnson guilty of ‘high crimes and misdemeanors' as a result of violating the Tenure of Office Act?"

C. Have the "Attorneys for Johnson" rise, address the "Senate," and present their case that Johnson should be acquitted.

D. Next, the "House Republicans" should rise and present their case for Johnson's conviction and removal from office.

E. Have the "Senate" deliberate briefly and then vote.

Extension Activity: Richard Nixon and the Watergate Scandal

Representative Barbara Jordan's speech (audio only):

Transcript of the speech as a PDF

James Monroe

James Monroe often clashed with his Secretary of State, William Crawford. In one quarrel, Crawford went to strike the President. Monroe responded by raising a set of...

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