Grade 8 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 6, Lesson 2

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
A More Perfect Union

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 6, Lesson 2: The First Western President (pp. 172-178)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Change Politics and government changed during Andrew Jackson's presidency.

Use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the political and administrative styles of Andrew Jackson and those who came before him. Point out to students that Jackson's public image as a common man was an important part of his appeal at the time. Discuss the ways in which Jackson rewarded his friends and political party members.

Review the states' rights arguments and idea of nullification. Outline the problems to national unity these ideas presented. Encourage students to think about the balance of power between the states and the federal government.

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Divide the class into two parts. Ask all the students in one half to prepare a brief argument in favor of states' rights, while the other side prepares an argument opposed to states' rights. Have students alternate presenting and answering each other's points.
Ask each student to draw a political cartoon supporting or opposing Andrew Jackson's polices. Encourage them to include as many of these policies as they can think of.

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