aidemia--modules-lessonplan_request	Titles of parts of the lesson must be formatted as headings
What to create	Lesson plan
Which subject	History
What topic	Pentagon Papers, War Powers Act, Nixon Resigns
What length (min)	30
What age group	Year or Grade 11
Include homework
Include images descriptions
Any other preferences	TN SDC Objectives

Lesson Plan: The Pentagon Papers, War Powers Act, and Nixon Resigns

Grade Level: 11

Subject: History

Duration: 30 Minutes

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand the significance of the Pentagon Papers and their impact on public perception of the Vietnam War.
2. Analyze the implications of the War Powers Act on presidential authority in military engagements.
3. Evaluate the events leading to President Nixon's resignation and their historical context.

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Lesson Overview

In this lesson, students will explore three pivotal components of American history during the Vietnam War era: the Pentagon Papers, the War Powers Act, and President Nixon's resignation. This lesson will encourage critical thinking, connected to current events regarding government transparency and checks and balances.

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Materials Needed

• Excerpts from the Pentagon Papers
• Copies of the War Powers Act
• Video clip of Nixon’s resignation address
• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector for visual aids (if available)
• Handouts with guided questions

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Lesson Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin the lesson by asking students what they know about the Vietnam War and President Nixon.
• Present a brief overview of key terms: Pentagon Papers, War Powers Act, and Nixon Resignation.

Part 1: The Pentagon Papers (10 minutes)

• Discussion (5 minutes):

  • Introduce the Pentagon Papers and discuss their origins, including the role of Daniel Ellsberg.
  • Highlight key points: government secrecy and the public's right to know.

• Activity (5 minutes):

  • Distribute excerpts from the Pentagon Papers.
  • In pairs, have students read and discuss the implications of the information revealed in these documents on public trust in government.

Part 2: The War Powers Act (10 minutes)

• Lecture (5 minutes):

  • Present a brief history of the War Powers Act (1973) and its purpose in limiting presidential powers.
  • Discuss key components of the Act and its relevance in current military engagements.

• Group Discussion (5 minutes):

  • Pose the question: “Do you think the War Powers Act is effective in checking presidential power?”
  • Encourage students to share their thoughts, referring to modern examples where applicable.

Part 3: Nixon Resigns (5 minutes)

• Video Clip (2 minutes):

  • Show a portion of Nixon’s resignation address (1974).

• Reflection (3 minutes):

  • Facilitate a discussion on the significance of Nixon’s resignation in American politics.
  • Encourage students to think about the legacy of Watergate and its influence on public perception of government.

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Conclusion (2 minutes)

• Summarize key points discussed during the lesson.
• Ask students to consider how the events of the Vietnam War era still resonate in today's political climate.

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Assessment

• Hand out a short quiz or reflection questions to gauge student understanding. Questions could include:
  • What impact did the Pentagon Papers have on public opinion?
  • How does the War Powers Act reflect the balance of powers in the U.S. government?
  • Why is Nixon’s resignation significant in U.S. history?

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Extensions

• Assign a follow-up essay on the impact of government transparency on democracy.
• Encourage students to research current events related to government accountability and freedom of information.

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This lesson plan aims to not only inform but also engage students in meaningful discussions about important historical events that shaped modern American politics.