Activity Overview
When the Constitution was created, its goal was to outline the limits of the government's power across all three branches. When Lincoln became president, many of the actions he took to expand the power of the presidency could be argued to be either unconstitutional or perfectly constitutional.
Using a grid storyboard, have students define a specific constitutional rule, demonstrate how Lincoln expanded on that law, and provide rationale for its (un)constitutionality. Students will examine and define constitutional law, relate it to Lincoln’s actions as president, and finally determine whether or not his actions were constitutional or unconstitutional. The first column should be dedicated to the actual words or rule of the Constitution, the second to Lincoln’s actions regarding that law, and the third to the student’s rationale.
Extended Activity
Have students create a similar grid on another president’s expansion of powers in a time of crisis, the constitutionality of that power, and their rationale on it. An example is George W. Bush, and his expansion of powers during the War on Terror in post-9/11 America. Teachers may select any president during any time, and use it as a comparison to Lincoln.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard analyzing how Lincoln expanded the power of the presidency and whether or not his actions were constitutional.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first column, enter the actual words or rule of the Constitution.
- In the second column, describe Lincoln's actions regarding the law.
- In the third column, argue whether or not the action was constitutional.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate items, scenes, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
When the Constitution was created, its goal was to outline the limits of the government's power across all three branches. When Lincoln became president, many of the actions he took to expand the power of the presidency could be argued to be either unconstitutional or perfectly constitutional.
Using a grid storyboard, have students define a specific constitutional rule, demonstrate how Lincoln expanded on that law, and provide rationale for its (un)constitutionality. Students will examine and define constitutional law, relate it to Lincoln’s actions as president, and finally determine whether or not his actions were constitutional or unconstitutional. The first column should be dedicated to the actual words or rule of the Constitution, the second to Lincoln’s actions regarding that law, and the third to the student’s rationale.
Extended Activity
Have students create a similar grid on another president’s expansion of powers in a time of crisis, the constitutionality of that power, and their rationale on it. An example is George W. Bush, and his expansion of powers during the War on Terror in post-9/11 America. Teachers may select any president during any time, and use it as a comparison to Lincoln.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard analyzing how Lincoln expanded the power of the presidency and whether or not his actions were constitutional.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the first column, enter the actual words or rule of the Constitution.
- In the second column, describe Lincoln's actions regarding the law.
- In the third column, argue whether or not the action was constitutional.
- Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate items, scenes, and characters.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Lincoln’s Expansion of Political Power and its Constitutionality
Incorporate primary sources to deepen student analysis of Lincoln’s constitutional decisions
Primary sources like speeches, letters, and government documents can bring history to life for students. Using original materials helps learners better understand Lincoln’s motivations and the public response to his actions.
Select relevant primary documents for classroom discussion
Choose documents such as the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln’s inaugural addresses, or Supreme Court opinions from his era. These sources provide direct insight into the constitutional debates of the time.
Prepare guiding questions for document analysis
Write clear, open-ended questions like, “What constitutional principle is at stake in this document?” or “How does this source support or challenge Lincoln’s actions?” Strong questions guide students to think critically about the material.
Facilitate small group or partner analysis of the sources
Have students work together to read and discuss the documents. Collaboration encourages multiple perspectives and deeper understanding of complex issues.
Connect insights from primary sources to students’ grid storyboards
Ask students to reference evidence from the documents in their storyboard rationale. This integration strengthens arguments about the constitutionality of Lincoln’s actions and builds critical thinking skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lincoln’s Expansion of Political Power and its Constitutionality
What are some examples of how Abraham Lincoln expanded presidential power during his presidency?
Abraham Lincoln expanded presidential power by suspending habeas corpus, issuing the Emancipation Proclamation, and using executive orders during the Civil War. These actions went beyond typical presidential authority to address national emergencies.
How can students analyze whether Lincoln’s actions were constitutional or unconstitutional?
Students can analyze Lincoln’s actions by comparing the actual wording of the Constitution with what Lincoln did, then providing reasoned arguments for or against the constitutionality of his actions. Using a storyboard or chart helps organize these comparisons clearly.
What is an easy classroom activity to teach about the constitutionality of presidential actions?
A helpful classroom activity is to have students create a three-column grid or storyboard: one for the constitutional rule, one for the president’s action, and one for the student’s rationale on constitutionality. This visual approach supports critical thinking and engagement.
How can Lincoln’s expansion of powers be compared to other presidents in times of crisis?
Teachers can have students research another president, like George W. Bush during the War on Terror, and compare how each expanded power in response to a crisis. Comparing rationale and constitutional debates deepens understanding of executive authority.
What constitutional rules are most relevant to Lincoln’s presidency and his actions?
The most relevant constitutional rules include the suspension of habeas corpus (Article I, Section 9), the President’s war powers, and the limits of executive orders. These areas help frame analysis of Lincoln’s controversial decisions during the Civil War.
More Storyboard That Activities
Presidency of Abraham Lincoln
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