 |
|
|
 |
 |
State of the Union Address on C-SPAN
This activity uses multimedia to enhance a study of the early Republic and U.S. foreign policy.
Before Viewing the State of the Union on C-SPAN
As times change so do presidents' responses to situations that Washington could not have imagined. As we listen to the recent State of the Union message by President Bush, pick out the key messages to Congress and the American people, particularly as they relate to foreign policy.
|
While Viewing the State of the Union on C-SPAN
 George Bush's 2003 State of the Union Address on C-SPAN
The following focus questions may aid in guiding the student groups as they watch the State of the Union.
1. What is President Bush's agenda in his State of the Union Address? What is his objective in delivering the Address?
2. What issues did he bring up to the Congress? List these issues. How will his administration address them?
3. How much of his speech dealt with domestic policies? What messages did he send with regard to domestic policy?
4. How much of his speech dealt with foreign policy? What messages did he send with regard to foreign policy?
|
After Viewing the State of the Union on C-SPAN
Call the groups together and discuss. Again, record student feedback so that it is visible to the entire class. Ideally, the feedback from the earlier activity discussing Washington's Farewell Address can be used to compare and contrast issues and historical contexts.
Invite students to discuss how the international scene has changed since Washington warned about "entangling alliances." How does the United States fit into this scene? Do we need alliances? How would President Bush's opinion about forming alliances compare with Washington's?
With which nations does the United States have economic, political, or military ties today? How do these differ from Washington's time? Can America exist in isolation in today's world? What would be some favorable arguments for America's embracing isolationist policies? How would you argue against isolationism? (Consider the economic, as well as military situations.)
What influences do modern day alliances have on Bush's domestic and international policies? Can America stand alone in today's world? Could the nation have stood alone in Washington's day?
Additional Exercises
1. Have students construct a map showing the major powers in the world during Washington's
Presidency. Show the various alliances that resulted in the wars in Europe during his Administration.
Then, have students construct a map of the world today showing the various alliances that exist today. (example: NATO, SEATO, OPEC, etc., as well as new coalition forces against Iraq.)
2. Students can write and present their own State of the Union Address, showing what they think are the major issues facing the nation today, and their plans to address these problems.
3. Have students compose and send a letter to their Senator or Representative, asking for his or her view on the importance of the annual reading of Washington's Farewell Address.
|
|
|
|
FEATURED DISCUSSION
Find Out about C-SPAN's Community. Enter Discussion Central & discuss with community members.
 IN THE COMMUNITY
|
Purpose, objectives and necessary materials
