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Document Type

Article

Abstract

The unit plan in this manuscript uses best practices from the C3 Framework published by the National Council for the Social Studies and Wayne Journell’s ideas about political thinking to engage students in discussion of the politics leading to the nomination of Governor James K. Polk as the Democratic Party nominee for president in the U.S. 1844 presidential election. Students explore the impact of candidates’ views of the annexation of Texas during this election as well as the influence of President Jackson on the nomination process in the Democratic Party. Ultimately, the election pitted Governor James K. Polk, the dark horse Democratic candidate, against Senator Henry Clay, the Whig candidate. Students analyze primary sources and reach a conclusion about how the issue of Texas annexation cost President Van Buren the nomination as the presidential candidate for the Democratic Party. At issue is how former President Van Buren’s opposition to the annexation of Texas opened the door for Governor Polk to take a strong stance in support of it and propelled him to the presidency. Students examine the perspectives of President Jackson, President Van Buren, and Governor Polk on the Texas issue using the thought processes and analysis tools of political scientists. Throughout the unit plan, students analyze the different primary sources using analysis prompts that spur political thinking. Students’ analysis of the documents as well as the election results extends their political thinking about the effect of Texas annexation on this presidential election. The summative writing activity helps engage students in the politics of the time period while learning to about the power of taking a stance on an issue during a presidential campaign.

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