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Democracy in the U.S.:
Characteristics of a Politician and a Leader
CREDIT: This lesson was written by Kent Willmann of Silver Creek High School, Longmont, CO
STANDARD: Understands the importance of political leadership, public service, and a knowledgeable citizenry in American constitutional democracy.

OVERVIEW
The President wears many hats: Head of State, Chief Executive, Commander-in-Chief, Party Leader, etc. The president is required to be a leader and a politician, yet sometimes the characteristics are at odds with each other. Both are essential for a successful presidency. This lesson asks students to explore their notions of what makes good leaders and politicians.
STUDENT ACTIVITY
Watch both politicians and leaders on C-SPAN to research your answers. Brainstorm: Write the word "politician" up on the board/overhead. Ask student to list as many words (adjectives, verbs, nouns, proper nouns) as they can that describe a politician. Next, write the word "leader" and repeat. Compare the two lists. What do they have in common? How do they differ? Why are both important to the office of president? What skills are needed to be a leader or politician? What skills are necessary for one but not the other? Are there any negative characteristics for politicians? Leaders? Leader word version Politician word version Leader or Politician? word version
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What personal characteristics are important to the office of the president? What types of leadership experiences are necessary? Is experience as a military leader important to the office of the president? 2. Are there any negative characterizations of past presidents? Explain. How could a former president counter a negative characterization? 3. Winning elections requires popularity. Does one ever sacrifice "good leadership" to gain popularity? Can you think of certain local or national leaders who are not popular but play an important leadership role in the country?
APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE:
Interview a "real life" local leader such as your principal, mayor, military leader, business leader, student council president, teacher, or someone else in a leadership position. Ask them what characteristics are important in a good leader. Ask them how politics plays a role in their current job. Research a "great leader" such as: George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lyndon B. Johnson, Julius Caesar, Genghis Khan, Martin Luther King, Jr., Poncho Villa, Joan of Arc, etc. What characteristics of a politician did they have? of a leader?

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