Introduction

Enduring Knowledge: The powers of the President are vast; however, they are checked by the other branches of government and vice versa.

Analyze the cartoon. Choose three characters or objects in the cartoon that stand out to you and describe the significance of each. Who is "Pope Theo" supposed to represent? What point is the cartoonist trying to make concerning the President?

Open the Political Cartoon in a new tab | Political Cartoon text version

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This 1907 illustration by Udo J. Keppler is titled "Pope Theo the first" (Library of Congress).

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to:

  • review how our system of checks and balances applies to the President.
  • describe the powers of the President outlined in Article II of the Constitution.
  • analyze the power of the President concerning his or her access to media outlets.
  • explain the role of the President in making domestic and foreign policy decisions.

The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Government objective(s): 12 and 12.1.

This lesson incorporates the following Literacy Standards: R1, R2, R4, R7, R8, W1, W4, W6, and W9.

 

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