Social Studies9-12+
Commander in Chief Debate Stations
By Ernest R.
This 1-2 day activity for 11th-12th graders uses collaborative role-play stations to explore the president's role as commander in chief, focusing on wartime powers. Students will engage in debate and critical thinking as they navigate different scenarios.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this activity as a culminating lesson after students have learned about the branches of government and presidential powers.
- Discussion question: How have the president's wartime powers evolved since the founding of the United States?
- Scaffold for struggling readers by providing sentence starters for their arguments and pre-highlighting key vocabulary.
- Extension for advanced students: Have them research a specific historical wartime presidential decision and present its constitutional justification.
- Estimated time: 2 class periods.
Social Studies9-12+
Commander in Chief Debate Stations
By Ernest R.
This 1-2 day activity for 11th-12th graders uses collaborative role-play stations to explore the president's role as commander in chief, focusing on wartime powers. Students will engage in debate and critical thinking as they navigate different scenarios.
Customize for your classroom
Teacher Guide & Tips
- Use this activity as a culminating lesson after students have learned about the branches of government and presidential powers.
- Discussion question: How have the president's wartime powers evolved since the founding of the United States?
- Scaffold for struggling readers by providing sentence starters for their arguments and pre-highlighting key vocabulary.
- Extension for advanced students: Have them research a specific historical wartime presidential decision and present its constitutional justification.
- Estimated time: 2 class periods.