Donald Trump and the pros and cons of his presidency / Lesson Plan

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to analyze the pros and cons of Donald Trump's presidency, demonstrating an understanding of his impact on American history and society.

Materials and Prep

  • Internet access
  • Writing materials
  • Access to news articles or books about Donald Trump's presidency

Activities

  1. Research and Analysis: Instruct the student to conduct research on Donald Trump's presidency, focusing on both the positive and negative aspects. They should gather information from reliable sources, such as news articles or books.

  2. Pro and Con Lists: Ask the student to create two lists: one for the pros and one for the cons of Trump's presidency. They should consider various aspects, such as economic policies, foreign relations, social issues, and domestic policies.

  3. Discussion: Engage in a discussion with the student, encouraging them to share their findings and opinions on the pros and cons. Help them critically analyze the information they gathered, considering different perspectives and potential biases.

  4. Essay Writing: Have the student write an essay summarizing their analysis of the pros and cons of Donald Trump's presidency. They should provide evidence and examples to support their arguments, while also acknowledging potential counterarguments.

Twelfth Grade Talking Points

  • "Donald Trump's presidency had a significant impact on American politics and society."
  • "His economic policies, such as tax cuts and deregulation, were praised by some for promoting business growth and job creation."
  • "On the other hand, Trump's immigration policies, including the travel ban and family separation at the border, faced criticism for being inhumane and discriminatory."
  • "Trump's foreign policy approach, characterized by an 'America First' ideology, reshaped the United States' relationships with other countries."
  • "His administration's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was a subject of intense debate, with supporters highlighting Operation Warp Speed and critics pointing out the initial lack of a coordinated response."
  • "Trump's use of social media, particularly Twitter, allowed him to directly communicate with his base, but also led to controversies and accusations of spreading misinformation."
  • "The impeachment proceedings against Trump highlighted concerns about abuse of power and obstruction of justice."
  • "Overall, evaluating Trump's presidency requires considering both the positive and negative aspects, as well as the long-term implications for American democracy."