FDR
Major Essay Assignment
The Essay Prompt:
Franklin Delano Roosevelt is often considered to be one of our greatest presidents. In his
first 100 days he was able to start the process of bringing the country out of the Great
Depression, and set the standard by which all future presidents are judged. This essay will
cover the relationship between FDR, Congress, the Supreme Court, and the American
people. You will be focusing on the late 1930’s up to America entering WWII.
Your task is to construct an 1800-2000 word APA formatted research paper in which you
will address the following:
1. Explain the expansion of presidential power under FDR. Cite specific examples of
policies that expanded the power of the president.
2. How were the policies implemented by FDR early in his presidency viewed by the
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
other two branches of government?
What policies and practices implemented by FDR allowed him to be elected
president 4 times?
What policies and practices implemented by FDR were eventually ruled to be
unconstitutional? What rationale did the court use to overturn them?
What was the significance of the lend lease act to FDR’s presidency?
Had you been in congress at the time that the lend lease act was put into place, how
would you have reacted?
Explain how FDR was able to prepare the country for World War II despite the
desire of most Americans to stay out of the war in Europe during the early stages of
the conflict.
How would you characterize the relationship between FDR and the American
people?
On the whole, how did Franklin Roosevelt re-invent the presidency and alter public
perceptions on what it means to be president?
Important Dates
Library Research Days:
Do not miss these two classes as they will form the foundation for your research. You
will not be given any more time to work in class on research for this project so use these
days wisely.
DATE: October 17/18 & October 24/25
Works Cited Page
Your works cited page is where you show me that your paper is well researched. It also
holds the location of any quotes or summaries used within your paper. It is a vital first
step in the creation of this essay. As such, it will count as a skill grade for this 6 weeks.
DUE DATE: May 10/12
W/S Requirements:
1. Typed
2. APA Format
3. 10 resources (REQUIRED!!!)
4. 3 Books/Journals minimum
5. Remaining 7 entries may be books, journals, periodicals, films, credible web
resources, etc.
The Final Draft
At this juncture your paper should be corrected from the previous revisions (if applicable)
and be presented to the instructor in its complete form.
DUE DATE: May 18
Final Draft Requirements:
1. Typed
2. APA Format
3. All supporting pages as stipulated by APA (except for the abstract)
4. 1800-2000 words in length