Activity Overview
Lincoln didn't govern the United States on his own. His presidential cabinet was extremely influential in helping him make major political decisions, and were people Lincoln chose to surround himself with. By identifying the role and action of each of the members of Lincoln's cabinet, students will be able to understand their influence within the government. Students will also gain a better understanding of what positions make up the executive cabinet.
Students will use a traditional storyboard in this activity to analyze six major figures. Teachers may pre-select cabinet members they want their students to further analyze and explain or have students select their own.
Major figures include:
- William H. Seward
- Edwin M. Stanton
- Salmon P. Chase
- Andrew Johnson
- Gideon Welles
- Edward Bates
Extended Activity
Have students expand on one specific figure of Lincoln’s cabinet using a spider map. Students should detail their role, actions, rise to their position, and what major contributions they had to Lincoln’s presidency. This will promote deeper understanding of both the figure, and their contribution to Lincoln’s performance as president.
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 identifying and analyzing the major figures in Abraham Lincoln's presidential cabinet.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each title, identify a different key figure.
- Describe their, position, ideologies, and actions.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Lincoln didn't govern the United States on his own. His presidential cabinet was extremely influential in helping him make major political decisions, and were people Lincoln chose to surround himself with. By identifying the role and action of each of the members of Lincoln's cabinet, students will be able to understand their influence within the government. Students will also gain a better understanding of what positions make up the executive cabinet.
Students will use a traditional storyboard in this activity to analyze six major figures. Teachers may pre-select cabinet members they want their students to further analyze and explain or have students select their own.
Major figures include:
- William H. Seward
- Edwin M. Stanton
- Salmon P. Chase
- Andrew Johnson
- Gideon Welles
- Edward Bates
Extended Activity
Have students expand on one specific figure of Lincoln’s cabinet using a spider map. Students should detail their role, actions, rise to their position, and what major contributions they had to Lincoln’s presidency. This will promote deeper understanding of both the figure, and their contribution to Lincoln’s performance as president.
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 identifying and analyzing the major figures in Abraham Lincoln's presidential cabinet.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In each title, identify a different key figure.
- Describe their, position, ideologies, and actions.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about “Team of Rivals”: Lincoln’s Cabinet
Engage students with a cabinet role-play activity
Bring history to life by assigning students to portray Lincoln's cabinet members in a classroom role-play. Each student can research their assigned figure's background and viewpoints, then participate in a mock cabinet meeting to debate key issues faced by Lincoln. This method boosts critical thinking and empathy as students see events from multiple perspectives.
Assign cabinet members and provide research resources
Select or let students choose a cabinet member to portray. Share curated articles, biographies, and primary sources to help them understand their figure’s beliefs, personality, and contributions. Encourage use of reliable sources for deeper learning.
Guide students to prepare short speeches and arguments
Have students write a brief speech from their cabinet member’s point of view about a major issue (like the Emancipation Proclamation). Support them in crafting arguments that reflect their assigned figure’s stance. This enhances writing skills and historical understanding.
Host the cabinet meeting and facilitate debate
Arrange desks in a circle to mimic a real cabinet meeting. Moderate the discussion as students present speeches and respond to each other. Encourage respectful debate and evidence-based reasoning throughout.
Reflect on the experience and connect to modern leadership
Lead a class debrief where students discuss what they learned about teamwork, compromise, and leadership through the activity. Draw parallels to modern government or school leadership roles to make the lesson relevant and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about “Team of Rivals”: Lincoln’s Cabinet
What was Abraham Lincoln's 'Team of Rivals' cabinet?
Abraham Lincoln's 'Team of Rivals' refers to his presidential cabinet made up of influential leaders with differing viewpoints, whom he chose for their expertise and ability to challenge him. This diverse group helped him make key decisions during his presidency.
Who were the main members of Lincoln's cabinet and what roles did they play?
The main members of Lincoln's cabinet included William H. Seward (Secretary of State), Edwin M. Stanton (Secretary of War), Salmon P. Chase (Secretary of the Treasury), Andrew Johnson (Vice President), Gideon Welles (Secretary of the Navy), and Edward Bates (Attorney General). Each played a significant role in advising Lincoln and shaping national policies.
How can students analyze the influence of Lincoln’s cabinet members in a lesson?
Students can analyze Lincoln’s cabinet by creating a storyboard that identifies each key figure, their position, beliefs, and actions. This visual approach helps students understand how each member contributed to Lincoln’s presidency and government decisions.
What is a good classroom activity for teaching about Lincoln’s cabinet?
A strong classroom activity is to have students create storyboards or spider maps detailing the roles, backgrounds, and impacts of Lincoln's cabinet members. This encourages research, critical thinking, and visual learning about their contributions.
Why did Lincoln choose rivals for his cabinet instead of only allies?
Lincoln selected rivals for his cabinet to ensure a range of perspectives and robust debate. This strategy helped him make more balanced decisions and unite the country during a critical period in American history.
More Storyboard That Activities
Presidency of Abraham Lincoln
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