April 26-30, 2010

No new homework this week because of our annual testing! Please get plenty of sleep and eat a good breakfast. You may bring snacks to the room to eat between tests. If you have missed a homework assignment up to this point in the fourth quarter you may post it here this week for 80% credit. That's much better than the zero you're going to receive otherwise, so take this opportunity to bring the grades up! God bless!

Homework 4, Due April 23, 2010

What is your definition of a "hero"? This week we will study one of the greatest American presidents, one that many hold to be a true hero, Gerald R. Ford. He became president during one of the darkest periods in American history, in a political environment that was so bitterly divided that many citizens had abandoned hope of ever seeing a return to normalcy. On top of that, he inherited the worst modern economy other than the Great Depression and the awful aftermath of the War in Vietnam.

With all of this going on, it is easy to see why noone could govern without being despised by certain segments of society. President Ford was the first president to be "honored" with a full-time comedic double on Saturday Night Live, and Americans were easily influenced by the non-stop ridicule that was heaped on him and his family. Throughout his time in office, however, he did his best and never showed anger toward those that hated him. Twice he was targetted by assassins (he was not injured in the attacks), and while the Secret Service hustled him away on one of those occasions, he shouted back at the law enforcement officers not to hurt the college student that had attempted to kill him.

To say the least, President Ford's decision to pardon President Nixon following Nixon's resignation was a controversial decision, but one that Ford felt was in the best interest of the country. After two years of non-stop Watergate news and numerous officials bound for jail, prosecutors were gearing up for a criminal trial to put the former president in prison. Ford pre-emptively pardoned Nixon, telling the country that it was time to begin the healing process and to focus on the other problems that were challenging America. Ultimately this decision cost Ford his bid for re-election in 1976, but years later his most vocal critics would publicly admit that Ford's brave decision truly was for the best.

Now I would like to hear from you. Choose an individual we have studied up to this point in US History and explain why that person deserves to be recognized as a true American hero. Back up your opinion with facts and observations. The requirements for this assignment are exactly the same as those of every assignment preceding it. Thanks and God bless!

Homework 3, Due April 16, 2010

This week we will discuss the most famous political scandal in our nation's history - the only scandal to bring down a presidency. Usually Americans are forgiving of politicians - ones they voted for, at least - and, while two presidents have been impeached, no president has ever been removed from office for "high crimes and misdemeanors", as stipulated by the Constitution. Of course, we'll never know, but it certainly seems obvious that had Richard Nixon not resigned the presidency in 1974, Congress would have made him the first to be impeached and convicted. In fact, were it not for a pardon by the next president (Gerald Ford), it is likely that Nixon would have been arrested and placed in jail for his part in the scheme, as was the case for several of Nixon's team members.

So what could possibly cause one of the most successful presidents to come to such a fate? His team cheated in the 1972 election and he and others helped cover up the crimes. Why would Nixon have done such a thing - especially given the fact that he could have won in 1972 without making any real effort? As we discussed in a previous lecture, a radical youth movement had captured control of the Democratic Party and most Americans weren't ready to go along with their extreme positions. Nixon's choices (and those of the people he chose to be on his team) were bizarre - and based on a notion that somehow the laws didn't apply to them. Remember, in a republic such as ours, everyone is equal under law, and no one, not even the president, has a right to act illegally.

For this week's assignment I would like you to first visit the following link: http://www.watergate.info/chronology/brief.shtml and read the brief timeline of events. Then choose two links (you'll find them on the side of the timeline under the heading that reads "home") from "Burglary" to "Aftermath" and report on your findings. Answer the questions: 1) Was the American system of government in danger of collapse? and 2) What should be done to ensure, within the boundaries of the constitution, that this doesn't happen again.

For those of you who like controversy, you may choose to report on the rather incendiary essay by former Nixon speech writer (and 1988/1992 presidential candidate) Patrick Buchanan, found under the "Analysis" link. Respond critically to his assertions and take a position - pro or con.

The requirements for this assignment are exactly the same as those of every assignment preceding it. Thanks, God bless, and welcom back!