Student Web Activity Lesson Plans

Chapter 8: The Presidency

Introduction
Although the president and vice president often diversify their geographic bases and other skills as they run as a team for election, they definitely hold the same political ideology. Imagine if they did not hold the same political views. In the election of 1840, the Whig Party nominated General William Henry Harrison, a hero of the Battle of Tippecanoe and War of 1812. The Whigs nominated John Tyler—a Southerner and former Democrat—as Harrison's running mate. Adopting the campaign slogan "Tippecanoe and Tyler too," Harrison won the election. After delivering a two-hour Inaugural Address on a bitterly cold day, Harrison caught pneumonia and died 32 days later. In this activity, students will learn what happened after Vice President John Tyler succeeded to the presidency.

Lesson Description
Students will explore the White House Web site, and answer four questions about the presidency of John Tyler. Students will then select a vice president from the Web site and write a summary of his relationship with the president.

Instructional Objectives

Learners will navigate through the White House Web site.
Learners will comprehend the consequences of the president and vice president holding opposing views.
Learners will summarize a biography of a vice president.

Student Web Activity Answers

He became president by accident; Harrison died after 32 days in office.
The Whig Party formed to oppose President Jackson.
The Whigs nominated John Tyler to appeal to Southern voters.
The Whigs expelled Tyler from their party. All the Cabinet except Secretary of State Webster resigned. The first impeachment resolution against a president was introduced in the House of Representatives.
Students' vice presidential summaries will vary. Remind them to focus on the vice president's relationship with the president.