Presidential Inauguration Speech Analysis and Discussion Questions

Students read and analyze excerpts from 13 inauguration speeches by completing one of 2 styles of graphic organizers, answering 6 questions, and making a word cloud. In each speech students look for items related to foreign affairs/military, social issues, domestic politics, the economy, religion, education, references to the past or future, promises or overarching message, and emotions evoked. There is a teacher information page detailing two ways this activity can be completed (all the way through or as a jigsaw style group activity). This includes room for students to analyze the upcoming inaugural address or one of the teacher's choice. An answer key is included and this could work for a sub! 

The presidents included in this are:
--Washington, Jackson, Polk
--Lincoln, Grant, McKinley
--Wilson, FDR (1933 and 1941), JFK
--Carter, Bush, Obama
--all speech excerpts are about a page long

Sample questions include:
--Are there similarities between the speeches of presidents from the same political party? Why or why not? Provide examples to support your answer.
--How do inauguration speeches reflect international events, or large social movements? In contrast, are international events or social movements affected by inauguration speeches, and if so how? Provide examples to support your answer.
--Discuss the importance you think inauguration speeches have for the president, the American public, and the political system and its traditions.

Click here for more resources from Stephanie's History Store