Grade Level: High School (Grades 10-12)
Subject: Civics, Social Studies, Government & Politics
Theme: Executive Authority, Government Spending, and Policy Impacts
A federal judge yesterday temporarily blocked an order by President Trump to freeze trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans. Separately, Democratic attorneys general in 22 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit against the order, saying Trump had gone far beyond his legal powers.
Even before 5 p.m., when the freeze was to take effect, a variety of systems and programs were disrupted, leaving millions unsure if they would lose access to jobs, services and health care. Here’s the latest. The New York Times
Lesson Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Analyze the role of executive power in federal spending decisions within the context of separation of powers.
- Evaluate the potential consequences of freezing federal spending on various sectors, including social services, foreign aid, and domestic programs.
- Discuss the legal and ethical dimensions of using ideological criteria for government funding.
- Examine the effects of political decisions on everyday citizens, both in the U.S. and abroad.
- Engage in a debate on the balance between government control and the needs of society.
- Develop critical thinking and research skills.
- Improve communication and presentation skills.
Materials Needed:
- News Article: “Chaos and uncertainty after Trump freezes spending“
- Federal funding freeze risks throwing the U.S. economy into chaos Economic Policy Institute
Lesson Outline:
1. Warm-Up Activity (Engagement)
- Quick Write: Students will respond to the prompt:
“What do you think would happen if all government spending stopped for a day? Who would be affected the most?” - Pair and Share: Students discuss their responses with a partner.
- Class Discussion: The teacher guides a discussion on which services and individuals would be most affected.
2. Introduction to Government Spending & Executive Power (Explanation)
- Mini-Lecture & Guided Discussion:
- What is federal spending, and how does it impact various programs?
- How does the U.S. government allocate funds to programs like social services, foreign aid, and education?
- What is an executive order, and how does it work in relation to Congress?
- What are checks and balances in government?
- Case Study Comparison:
- The teacher presents past examples of presidents using executive orders to direct funding (e.g., President Obama’s DACA order and President Biden’s student loan forgiveness attempt).
- Students discuss whether such orders should be allowed to override legislative decisions.
3. Analyzing the News Article (Exploration)
- Group Work: Students are divided into small groups and given different sections of the article to analyze.
- Guiding Questions:
- What specific actions did President Trump take regarding federal spending?
- How did different groups (Democratic attorneys general, humanitarian organizations) react?
- What were the immediate effects on health care, jobs, and foreign aid?
- What are the ideological arguments behind the freeze?
- What legal challenges are being presented against the freeze?
- Group Presentations: Each group shares their findings with the class.
4. Debate: Should Presidents Have the Power to Freeze Government Spending? (Elaboration) – 25 minutes
- Debate Setup:
- The class is split into two sides:
Side A: Presidents should have the power to freeze spending for ideological or policy reasons.
Side B: Congress should control spending, and presidents should not be able to interfere.
- The class is split into two sides:
- Debate Format:
- Each side presents opening statements.
- Opposing sides ask questions and challenge each other’s claims.
- The class votes on the most persuasive arguments.
5. Reflection and Exit Ticket (Evaluation)
- Students write a one-paragraph reflection responding to the prompt:
“How do political decisions about spending impact your daily life? Should government programs be subject to ideological tests?” - Students submit an exit ticket answering:
- One thing they learned today.
- One question they still have.
Extension Activities:
- Research Project: Students research another historical case where a president exercised strong control over government spending (e.g., Nixon’s funding cuts, Reagan’s military budget shifts).
- Letter to a Representative: Students write a letter to a congressperson expressing their views on presidential spending powers.
- Current Events Connection: Students track ongoing debates about government spending in the news and present updates to the class.
Assessment:
- Participation in Discussions and Debate (Engagement & Argumentation Skills)
- Exit Ticket Responses (Understanding & Reflection)
- Group Analysis Presentation (Comprehension & Critical Thinking)
- Written Reflection (Personal Connection & Argument Development)