Cartoon Analysis Worksheet
Your Name:
Class:
Date: February 16,
2016
Steven Janover
SLO
Level 1
Visuals
1) List the objects or people you see in the cartoon.
The White House, a hand holding the Constitution
located above the White House
Name of Cartoon: cartoon-g
Words (not all cartoons include words)
1) Identify the cartoon caption and/or title.
Above Any Office
2) Locate three words or phrases used by the cartoonist
to identify objects or people within the cartoon.
Constitution of the U.S., Watergate Ruling
3) Record any important dates or numbers that appear in
the cartoon.
n/a
Level 2
Visuals
2) Which of the objects on your list are symbols?
White House, a judge's arm
3) What do you think each symbol means?
The Presidency, judiciary or law
Words
4) Which word or phrases in the cartoon appear to be the
most significant? Why do you think so?
Watergate Ruling, Constitution of the U.S. They clarify
the main idea of the cartoon.
5) List adjectives that describe the emotions portrayed in
the cartoon.
n/a
Level 3
a) Describe the action taking place in the cartoon.
A judge's arm labelled, "Watergate Ruling," holds a copy of the Constitution above the White House.
b) Explain how the words in the cartoon clarify the symbols.
The words identify the specific event (Watergate), the impeachment of the President. and the outcome of those
hearings.
c) Explain the message of the cartoon.
No person or group is above the law.
d) What special interest groups would agree or disagree with the cartoon’s message? Why?
Supporters of President Nixon may disagree with the message. It doesn't explain President Nixon's point of view.
Opponents of President Nixon would agree with the message - the law is supreme.
e) Check any of the persuasive techniques used in this cartoon:
symbolism
caricature
captioning and labels
analogy
irony
juxtaposition
exaggeration
Adapted from: U.S. National Archives & Records Administration
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Page URL: http://www.archives.gov/digital_classroom/lessons/analysis_worksheets/cartoon.html