US1H Jackson Project

1. Task

For this assignment, it is the 1920s and the Treasury Department is trying to determine whether Andrew Jackson's portrait should be placed on the twenty-dollar bill. You are either a critic or supporter of Jackson, and you will engage in a debate to help the Treasury Department make up its mind.

Prepare a short speech (about 500 words/should be put on that praises or condemns specific policies and actions of Jackson. Speeches should include at least two actual quotes from a supporter or opponent of Jackson or Jackson himself. You will decide whetheryou praise or condemnJacksonafter being assigneda position on one of the following issues.

The issues include:

  • Native American removal
  • The spoils system
  • The tariff/nullification crisis
  • The Second Bank of the United States
  • The Peggy Eaton affair

2. Preparation

After you break up into your groups, select a leader who will be in charge of group discussions and keeping track of the work you accomplish both individually and as a group. The group leader should keep a work log that includes what each group member is responsible for.

  1. Use your textbook, notes, and the internet to take detailed notes on your topic. Make sure to indicate on your notes where you found the information.
  2. Once you have finished researching, have each group member share his/her findings. Discuss and agree upon your stance on the key question of this assignment: Should Jackson's portrait be on the $20 bill? Decide on the best 3-5 arguments that support your position. Additionally, discuss potential visuals that would strengthen your argument.
  3. Next, the group leader should assign development of those arguments to the rest of the group, including the acquisition and design of any visuals that you may needfor the presentation.
  4. Outline and then write the argument. Remember to be clear and concise as you are only writing a short speech. Remember to include some actual quotes. Your group should also prepare some questions to ask the opposing group and a short closing statement reviewing your main points.
  5. Review the completed arguments as a group, making appropriate changes and ensuring there is no redundancy during the speech. Decide who is going to present the speeches and who will be involved in the question and answer section.
  6. Prepare for the day of your presentation by practicing the speech and closing statement, coordinating appropriate attire, and finishing visuals.

3. Presentations

  1. Two opposing groups will face off against each other. After each group gives their speech, there will be a question and answer period. Questions must be relevant to the perspective of the presenting group. Following that, each group will give their closing argument.
  2. After each debate finishes, the teacher will tally votes for or against Jackson's place on the $20 bill.
  3. Group leaders should create a list of each member’s contribution to the project and submit that to the teacher along with a works cited page. Works cited page should be in proper MLA format.

4. Useful websites:

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