Does Andrew Jackson Deserve to be on the TwentyDollar Bill?
Dan Johnson,
Bedichek Middle School
Lesson Overview
This lesson is useful when summarizing study of Andrew Jackson. Have students read the
handout on Jackson. (see attachment below). Then instruct students to do a quick write for the
next six to eight minutes where they voice their opinion about Andrew Jackson.
The specific issue they must answer is: "Does Andrew Jackson Deserve To Be On the
Twenty-Dollar Bill?"
Tell students that they must give at least three specific reasons to support their belief. These
reasons must be thoughtfully supported by well chosen ideas, stories, and historical information
After students have written their answers hold class debates on the topic under consideration.
Tell students they may speak for 90 seconds to two minutes each. It is your choice as teacher.
Stress that any student who volunteers to participate in the debate will receive extra credit.
Basically, as the teacher, you are looking for clear enunciation, voice projection of what the
student says, rapport or connection with the audience, and individual creativity
The lesson is competitive and fun. Student judges (2 or 3) can be set up to evaluate each
speaker. Points may be assigned for each criterion. For example 1 to 5 points for "rapport," 1 to 5
points for "easy to hear," and one to 5 points for "originality/creativity." Students learn to think on
their feel, they deepen and reinforce essential content about Andrew Jackson, they develop
critical thinking, and they develop greater trust in their own opinion. Finally, students gain
significantly more ownership and enthusiasm for historical perspectives by engaging in this
exciting activity.
TEKS Addressed
8.5B Summarize arguments regarding protective tariffs, taxation, and the banking system.
8.5F Explain the impact of the election of Andrew Jackson, including the beginning of the modern
Democratic Party.
8.5G Analyze federal and state Indian policies and the removal and resettlement of Cherokee
Indians during the Jacksonian era.
8.7A Analyze the impact of tariff policies on sections of the United States before the Civil War.
8.18B Describe historical conflicts arising over the issue of states’ rights, including the
Nullification Crisis and the Civil War.
8.22A Identify different points of view of political parties and interest groups on important
historical issues.
8.23A Analyze the leadership qualities of elected and appointed leaders of the United States.
8.23B Describe the contributions of significant political, social and military leaders of the United
States.
8.31D Create written, oral, and visual presentations of social studies information.
8.30D Identify points of view from the historical context surrounding an event and the frame of
reference which influenced participants.
8.30E Support a point of view on a social studies issue or event.
8.32B Use a decision-making process to identify a situation that requires a decision, gather
information, identify options, predict consequences, and take action to implement a decision.