Inauguration 2017
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Introduction
It is always exciting to see newly elected representatives take their place in our government,
and this coming presidential inauguration is certainly history in the making! There is going
to be so much that happens that is of historical significance, making a great unit study
for learning about the inaugural process and the American presidency, as well as making
memories from this very special occasion in American history.
This study will allow you and your family to take advantage of this special moment in history,
helping you learn more about the president and the American inauguration process, as well
as some important facets of American history. Get on board, and get ready for a fun and
interesting learning expedition. Some of the topics of the Inauguration 2017 study include:
• History of presidential inaugurations.
• History of some of the American presidents.
• Responsibilities of the president of the United States.
• Learning about President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence.
This new two-week study will provide an understanding of what will be happening and the
significance of each part of the transfer of power in Washington. We will be looking at the
history of inaugurations in America: when and where they took place, how the ceremony has
changed as the times changed, what was said during some of the inaugural addresses, and
much more.
Inauguration 2017 provides an opportunity to investigate the men who have served as
U.S. presidents, meet their families, and learn more about the process they went through
to become president of the United States. This study will also introduce the next president
of the United States, Donald Trump. He and his administration will shape the future of this
country for the next four years. Full of history, pomp, and tradition, this time-honored event
that takes place every four years in America is full of learning opportunities, and this study
will guide the process and help make it an interesting adventure!
Blessings,
Amanda B.
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INAUGURATION:
WEEK ONE
Learning Objectives:
• Become familiar with the history of the American presidency.
• Investigate the history of presidential inaugurations.
• Study the responsibilities of the president.
• Learn about some of America’s past presidents.
"I am told that tens of thousands
of prayer meetings are being
held on this day, and for that
I am deeply grateful. We are a
nation under God, and I believe
God intended for us to be free. It
would be fitting and good, I think,
if on each Inauguration Day in
future years it should be declared
a day of prayer."
Ronald Reagan, January 20, 1981
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INAUGURATION:
Week One — Day One
LOWER LEVEL
Take Me There
Video: President George Washington Takes Oath of Office from the movie John Adams
Video: Federal Hall New York City
Today’s Quote
Copy today’s quote into your Inauguration Journal:
“Make sure you are doing what God wants you to do—then do it with all your
strength.”
George Washington
Words of Wisdom (WOW Words)
Look up the following words in the dictionary and write the words and their definitions in
your journal. Website suggestions: Webster’s 1828 Dictionary and Word Central
American
elect
oath
president
Interesting People and Places
Using books or the Internet sites shown below, look up George Washington. Who was he?
When did he become president of the United States? How long did he serve as president?
Write or narrate the answers for your journal. Website suggestions: George Washington,
George Washington, and Inauguration of Presidents
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Read and Discover
Using books or the Internet sites shown below, read the following questions and find the
answers. Write or narrate your answers for your journal.
1. Where was George Washington’s first inauguration held? Website suggestions:
Inaugurations, Inauguration of President George Washington, and First Inauguration
2. What were some of George Washington’s other occupations before he became
president of the United States? Website suggestions: Presidential Occupations and
About George Washington
3. How many presidents has the United States had since 1789? Website suggestions:
American Presidents and Presidents of the United States
4. What is the U.S. Constitution? Website suggestion: Constitution
5. When the president of the United States is sworn in, he must take the oath of office.
Write the president’s oath of office in your journal. Website suggestion: Oath of
Office
Internet Resources
George Washington Coloring Page
White House Pets
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INAUGURATION:
Week Two — Day Two
UPPER LEVEL
Take Me There
Video: Martin Luther King, Jr. “I Have a Dream”
Video: Martin Luther King, Jr. “Let Freedom Ring”
Today’s Quote
Copy today’s quote into your Inauguration Journal:
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will
not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Words of Wisdom (WOW Words)
Look up the following words in the dictionary and write the words and their definitions in
your journal. Website suggestions: Webster’s 1828 Dictionary and Dictionary.com
democracy
diligent
governor
inaugural
Interesting People and Places
Using books or the Internet sites shown below, read about Martin Luther King, Jr. Who
was he? Write a brief biography about him in your journal. Make sure to include when and
where he was born, where he went to college, and what he worked on after graduating from
college. Summarize your answer in your journal. Website suggestions: Martin Luther King,
Jr., Martin Luther King, Jr., MLK Online, and Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site
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Read and Discover
Using books or the Internet sites shown below, find the answers to these questions and
record your answers in your journal along with the source of your information (book,
website, etc.).
1. What day is set aside as a holiday to honor the life and accomplishments of Dr. King?
What is the emphasis of this day in America? Website suggestions: Dr. King and
MLK Day
2. What is the next event that usually takes place on Inauguration Day, following
morning worship services? Who participates in this event? When and how did this
event begin? Website suggestion: Inauguration Day Event and Inauguration Day
Event
3. Which incoming president was the first to ride in the procession to the Capitol in an
automobile? Website suggestion: Inauguration Day Event
4. In John F. Kennedy’s inauguration speech, he mentions a torch. What does he say
specifically, and what does this mean? Website suggestion: Kennedy’s Inaugural
Address and President Kennedy
Internet Resources
U.S. Virtual Capitol
John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address
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