Inaugural Addresses of US Presidents (JFK, Washington, and Lincoln)
Toward A More Perfect Union: Introduction to American Government Third Edition by Patrick Coaty Edited by Gordon Babst
Journal Assignments
Journal assignments are extra credit. If a student hands in all four journals they will earn full credit. A completed assignment will be two pages. Again, I would like to see a structured argument and demonstration of your personalization of the material. PLEASE DO NOT COPY DIRECTLY FROM THE BOOK. PLEASE NO QUOTES.
1 Read Chapter 8 in More Perfect Union, 17th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address (view it on YouTube), George Washington's Inaugural Address, Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address. Question: What was the campaign promises embedded in these Presidential speeches? Do you think these promises were fulfilled? Journal entry must be a minimum of two (2) pages in length to receive credit.
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Political Science
John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address
John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address is regarded as among the greatest speeches of the past century American public address. He promised to do everything that he could to bring freedom, peace and hope to all Americans, and an end to war and tyranny - the same principles of America's Founding Fathers that everyone is created equal and all persons should be treated that way (Coaty 341). With the help of people and science, Kennedy promised to stop poverty, hunger and find cures for illnesses. He also promised better international relations. He spoke to the nation following a divisive, close election at a time when Americans were becoming more and more fearful of an extended, dragging cold war. He promised increased U.S. intervention and expansion globally, ostensibly on behalf of freedom, and promised U.S. support to any people or country seeking to pursue democracy and liberty. The campaign promises of this telegenic and energetic leader were not fulfilled because he was slayed near the ending of his 3rd year in office (Coaty 374). The public murder of John F. Kennedy is one of the most distressing and painful occurrences in the memory of many Americans. George Washington's Inaugural Address
As the 1stU.S. President, George Washington was sworn in on 14 April 1789. In his Inaugural Address, he addressed the need for a Bill of Rights and a strong Constitution, and he often highlighted the public good. He said that he refused to be paid beyond such actual expenses as the public good might be thought to require. He promised to purse the public good. Simply put, he renounced any monetary compensation; he declined any salary for his efforts and...