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Lesson

Theodore Roosevelt and the Bully Pulpit

Guiding question

How did Theodore Roosevelt’s use of the residency as a “bully pulpit” transform the office of resident?

Duration
50 min
Published
Jun 17, 2021
Black and white portrait of a man in formal attire, wearing glasses and a pince-nez, with a mustache.
While many of President Theodore Roosevelt’s predecessors saw themselves as servants of Congress, Roosevelt saw the President as the servant or agent of the people. He transformed the legislative role of the President from nominal legislative advisor to outspoken advocate of policies that he thought would strengthen America. Where the Founders believed that powers not granted were forbidden, Roosevelt asserted that powers not forbidden were granted. He was aware that he was shaping the Presidency in a way his detractors would criticize. In his autobiography, Roosevelt wrote that he did not “usurp” power, but that he did “greatly broaden” executive authority. One way he did this was to use his position as a “bully pulpit.”

Founding Principles

Separation of Powers

Objectives:

Students will:

  • Understand ways Theodore Roosevelt used his office as a “bully pulpit.”
  • Analyze the constitutionality of Roosevelt’s actions as President.
  • Evaluate ways that Roosevelt transformed the Presidency.

Materials

Lesson Components

ActivityHandout A: Theodore Roosevelt and the Bully Pulpit
ActivityHandout B: President Roosevelt and the Constitution
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Lesson plan

50 minClick a phase to open it

More Information

To create a context for this lesson, students complete Constitutional Connection: The President and Federal Power.

Standards

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