Choosing America’s President

By Kennedy’s Korner

True or False 1) Thomas Jefferson was the first U.S. President.

2) You must be at least 35 years old to be President.

3) Americans elect a President every 3 years.

4) The President is in charge of the U.S. armed forces.

5) The President is the leader of the United States.

6) Presidents’ pet can live in the White House.

Candidates Mitt Romney Barack Obama

Political Party Republican Democrat

Age 65 51

Where he was born Michigan Hawaii

Family Ann – wife, Tagg, Matt, Michelle- wife, Josh, Ben and Craig (sons) Malia and Sasha (daughters)

Likes skiing, horseback riding playing basketball and cooking chili

Amendment: change to the U.S. constitution armed forces: groups of people who protect and fight for

the country bills: written plans for new laws ballot: a form that lists all the candidates you can vote

for candidates: the people running in an election Debates: public discussions between candidates with

different views elect: to choose by voting monuments: statues of buildings created to remind

people of events or people Political party: a group of people who share similar

ideas about how the country should be run Register: to sign up on an official list U.S. Constitution- the plan for how our government

works

1870 15th AmendmentGave African American men the right to VOTE.

1870 1890 1920 1965 19701892Voting MachineThe first voting machine was used in Lockport, NY

1920 19th AmendmentThe 19th Amendent gave women the right to vote.

1965Voting Rights ActAlmost 100 years after the 15th Amendment, some states were still making it hard for African- Americans to vote. This law said that states couldn’t make it hard for people to vote anymore.

1971 26th AmendmentThe voting age was changed. The age when people could start voting used to be 21. The 26th Amendment changed the voting age to 18

Job: Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces

The President is in charge of all parts

of the armed forces. The armed forces include the Army, Navy, Air force and Marines.

1 2

3 4

Job: Chief ExecutiveThe President signs bills passed by Congress making them laws. They are also in charge of every department of government.Job: Head of State

The President represents the people of the United States. Getting an award or an invitation from the President ~ is just like getting an award or an invite from AMERICA

Job: Director of Foreign Policy The President will decide how the U.S. will work with other countries. They visit with leaders of other nations. The President also signs treaties, or agreements, and donates money to countries in need.

1) Barack Obama was born in Hawaii – Circle Hawaii. 2) Mitt Romney was born in Michigan- Put and X on Michigan.3) Which state is farther south, Florida or Illinois ? _______________4) Which state is farther west, Nevada or Colorado ? _____________

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Education

Candidates will campaign for months to try to get people to vote for them. They also tell people their ideas for solving problems and making the country better. These important problems are called issues. Here are some issues candidates talk about.

The Environment Health Care

Pick an issue that you think is important. Write a letter to the next President about that issue. Be sure to include detail and explain why you think that issue is important, what problem do you see, and how he/she can solve that problem.

To Serve as President of the United States, a person must◦ be at least 35 years old◦ have been born a citizen of the United States◦ have lived in the United States for 14 years or more Look at these photographs below and read about each person. Then decide if that

person could be U.S. President now.

This man lives in New York. He was born in China. He’s 27 years old

This woman has lived in the U.S. for most of her life. She was born in Ireland and moved her when she was 3. She’s 54 years old.

This woman is 32 years old. She was born in Hawaii and still lives there.

Justin Bieber is 18 years old. He was born in Canada. He is very famous.

This woman is a U.S. citizen. She was born in Buffalo, NY. She lives in Orlando, Florida and has lived there for 20 years. She is 38 years old.

7:00- 8:00 a.m. Goes jogging with Secret Service

9:30- 10:30 a.m. Meets with the White House staff

11:00-11:30 a.m. Talks to reporters 11:30-12:30 p.m. Makes phone calls 12:30-1:15 p.m. Has lunch with the Vice

President 2:00- 5:00 p.m. Meets with World Leaders 5:45- 6:15 p.m. Goes for a walk with the dog

Time What the President Does

7:00- 9:00 p.m. Attends a dinner party

Use this table to answer the questions that your teacher gives you.

After you have done some research and talked to your family about the election ~ It’s your chance to VOTE.

Choose ONE candidate

Mitt Romney Barack Obama

Explain why you voted for that person. Use details in your explanation.

After the election, write the name of America’s newly elected President here :

___________________________________________.

In late January of 2013, the winner of the election will become the next President of the United States of America. This special day is called Inauguration Day.

The winner will take an oath. He will promise to protect and defend the laws and government of the United States.

How long will this person be elected to term of office ? 2 years 4 years 12 years

Does the new President’s family get to move into the White House with him ? Or does he just work there?

Turn and talk to you friend / partner and tell them why you would like to live in the White House.

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blogspot at www.kennedyskornerblogspot.com

Look for more of our Literacy basedScience and Social Studies units in our TPT store – Kennedy’s Korner. Have a great day!Karen Kennedy & Kelly Kennedy