These videos for Presidents' Day cover the electoral college, how the presidency came to exist, the very first election, and more.

Engaging Presidents’ Day videos for students


These videos cover the electoral college, how the presidency came to exist, the very first election, and more

Though schools are closed on Presidents’ Day, discussing topics related to the holiday is a great way to engage students in their learning, taking historical processes and events and linking them to the present.

Use these short videos from TED-Ed Lessons to introduce concepts and activities related to the presidency–and the history and process behind it.

Teachers can use TED-Ed Lessons to liven up long days and highlight students’ different personal interests. On the TED-Ed platform, educators can build lessons around any TED-Ed Original, TED Talk, or YouTube video.

History vs. Richard Nixon: The president of the United States of America is often said to be one of the most powerful positions in the world. But of all the US presidents accused of abusing that power, only one has left office as a result. Does Richard Nixon deserve to be remembered for more than the scandal that ended his presidency? Alex Gendler puts this disgraced president’s legacy on trial.

The oddities of the first American election: How did George Washington become the first president of the United States in 1789? Who got to decide–or vote–who would become president, and how did they decide the winner? Kenneth C. Davis unveils the surprising story behind America’s first presidential election.

Inventing the American presidency: When the founders of the United States gathered to create the foundations of the country, they decided on three branches of government, with a president central to the executive branch. Kenneth C. Davis explains why this decision was not necessarily inevitable and what variables were up for debate.

History vs. Andrew Jackson: Andrew Jackson was both beloved and loathed during his presidency. In this imaginary courtroom, you get to be the jury, considering and weighing Jackson’s part in the spoils system, economic depression, and the Indian Removal Act, as well as his patriotism and the pressures of the presidency. James Fester explores how time shapes our relationship to controversial historical figures.

How do executive orders work? On January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln legally changed the status of over 3 million people from “slave” to “free.” But his emancipation proclamation wasn’t a law — it was an executive order. The framers of the American Constitution made this power available to the executive branch. But what exactly is this tool, how does it work, and what’s the extent of its power? Christina Greer explains.

Does your vote count? The Electoral College explained: You vote, but then what? Discover how your individual vote contributes to the popular vote and your state’s electoral vote in different ways–and see how votes are counted on both state and national levels.

Related:
How teachers can make history current this Presidents’ Day

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Laura Ascione
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