CSB Politics
Name
SOTU 2016 - Four Big Questions & Leadership
President Obama's Four Big Questions:
President Obama's Question I Chose.
First, how do we give everyone a fair shot at opportunity and security in this new economy?
Second, how do we make technology work for us, and not against us – especially when it comes
to solving urgent challenges like climate change?
Third, how do we keep America safe and lead the world without becoming its policeman?
And finally, how can we make our politics reflect what's best in us, and not what's worst?"
Are you surprised by any of the four questions/topics? Which do you think is most important?
President F.D. Roosevelt's famous "Four Freedoms" speech:
freedom of speech - freedom of worship - freedom from want - freedom from fear.
1. On the back of this sheet, you will choose one of President Obama's questions to answer in
detail (these are your thoughts and specific examples) > : what the country can do at national,
local and individual levels to address the question you have chosen.
Next, answer the following questions with specific detail:
2. Why do you think President Obama's "four big questions" are being compared with FDR's
"four freedoms"?
3. Regarding national security, what events were taking place in the world when FDR gave his
speech in 1941? What events are taking place in the world right now that are on many Americans'
minds? Do you feel they are similar? Explain
An image/doodle that represents my
feelings towards the future.
4. Both presidents were trying to generate hope and promise for the nation. In what ways were
they successful, in what ways do the speeches fall short? Explain your answer.
5. In both speeches, the presidents embraced the idea of Americans coming together and
sharing in our national identity and what it means to be American. How do you think Presidents
Obama and Roosevelt would define America's national identity? Do you agree ? Why or why not?
6.
Stepping into the presidents' shoes, why is it important to identify and embrace a
national identity?
How I define being an American.
What do you feel the leadership role of the US is/should be in the world? Please be specific and detailed.