Examine Bush's homeland security proposal

 

President Bush

Overview: President George W. Bush on Thursday night will propose a change in homeland security efforts that will include a new Cabinet–level department . Have students conduct research to learn about the history of the U.S. president's Cabinet and how the composition of the Cabinet has changed over the years.

Curriculum Connections: Current Events, U.S. History

Have students read the CNN Student News story, "Bush seeks homeland security Cabinet post," and answer the following questions:

1. What new Cabinet-level department is President George W. Bush proposing to create? What factors influenced Mr. Bush's decision to create this department? What would be the department's primary responsibilities? Who would lead the new department? Who needs to approve the proposed department before it can be established?

2. Inform students that the Cabinet is an advisory group chosen by the U.S. president to help accomplish the work of the executive branch. Have students use the their textbooks and other resources to answer the following questions:

• How was the Cabinet developed?
• What were the four executive offices established by President George Washington?
• How and why has the composition of the Cabinet changed over the years?
• What are the Cabinet's fourteen departments?
• What factors does the president take into account when choosing Cabinet members?

Discuss student findings.

3. Have students identify the security issues that exist in the United States and the challenges that the U.S. government faces in terms of addressing these issues. Then, ask: Based on your research and class discussion, do you think the new Cabinet-level department should be established? Why or why not?