Lesson Plan: First Ladies: The Power of an Undefined Role
Grades 7-12
Although the U.S. Constitution outlines no formal role for the president’s spouse, the position provides a powerful platform in American politics. Eleanor Roosevelt established an activist benchmark, and modern first ladies have championed health care, global diplomacy, mental health and nutrition. These unelected figures have drawn on their personal backgrounds and experiences to shape public policy and governance. This lesson encourages students to investigate how first ladies have exercised informal political power, leaving a lasting impact on American democracy.
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