Who were the most revered and accomplished U.S. Presidents?

Presidents Day is a federal holiday celebrated in February. Forty years ago, in 1968, legislation was enacted that affected several federal holidays. One of these was Washington's Birthday on the 22nd and Lincoln's birthday on the 12th.

The celebrations were consolidated into one official holiday--Presidents Day--honoring Washington and Lincoln as well as all the other men who have served our country. The official observation was shifted to the third Monday in February to both simplify the yearly calendar of holidays, and give federal and many private sector employees some standard three-day weekends in the process.

Few historians would dispute that Abraham Lincoln and George Washington were our most famous and accomplished presidents. But, do students know what other presidents, among the 43 who served in that office, were also revered for their significant contributions to our nation?

Pathfinder: Click the HISTORY & GOVERNMENT icon > United States of America > Presidency > Select the president you think is someone who could rival Washington and Lincoln

Assign a report of about 100 words or a two-minute oral/PowerPoint presentation. Students should use at least three articles for their reports. Students should include the answers to the following essential questions for critical thinking. Teaches can assign and create additional questions or substitute them for these ProQuest examples:

• How did this person get the opportunity or qualifications to become president?
  
  
• What was the most important accomplishment of this president that benefits us today?
  
  
• Were there any significant failures for this president and how do they affect us today?
  
  
• Why did you select this president as outstanding?

Here are some new ProQuest models that students can use for their PowerPoint (1, 2) and written reports.