Theme of the Month: The Presidency
Background Information
The Presidency of the United States, one of the bulwarks
of American democracy, has endured for more than 200 years. Since 1789,
when George Washington left Mount Vernon, Virginia to become the first
leader of the fledgling nation's Executive Branch of government, 41 individuals
from varying backgrounds have assumed, in smooth transition from their
predecessor, the highest elected office in the land. In January 1997 William
Jefferson Clinton took the oath of office beginning the second term of
the country's 42nd President.
Some became President following a lifetime of public service.
Thomas Jefferson, first a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, rose
through the state and federal governmental ranks to become Governor of
Virginia, Commissioner and later Minister to France, Secretary of State
and Vice President of the United States before being elected President
in 1801. Others, like Vice President John Tyler, became President in 1841
following the death from pneumonia of William Henry Harrison who served
only one month in office. Still others, like Andrew Johnson, Chester A.
Arthur, Theodore Roosevelt and, more recently, Lyndon B. Johnson had the
Presidency tragically thrust upon them by an assassin's bullet.
The following Internet addresses and activities will help
you develop curriculum plus give students sites to research to learn more
about the times in which the Presidents lived, the powers and duties of
the office, highlights of events during Presidential terms of office, the
Presidents' families, a tour of the White House and much, much more. Most
of these Internet sites have links to other informative sites, allowing
the education process to continue almost indefinitely.
Editor's Note: Internet sites
are updated frequently. While we have reviewed the following Internet locations
for applicability to the theme of the month, educators are strongly encouraged
to check each Internet site prior to using this material in an educational
environment.
Resources for Educators
