C-SPAN Lessons

NEW LESSON: The "Fiscal Cliff" Our Senior Fellows, Tracey Van Dusen and Cheryl Davis, have updated C-SPAN Classroom Deliberations with a new in-depth lesson examining the looming "fiscal cliff". What should Congress and the President do about the automatic tax increases and spending cuts that will go into effect on January 1, 2013 (the “fiscal cliff")? Under current law, on January 1, 2013, a "fiscal cliff" of large spending cuts and tax increases automatically go into effect unless an agreement is met between the Republican majority in the House, the Democratic majority in the Senate, and the President, to change fiscal policies that control the federal deficit and debt. The impasse between the two parties may extend beyond the January deadline, as it involves different approaches to spending cuts and revenue increases. Learn about the positions of the two parties, the Speaker of the House, and the President, by watching C-SPAN videos, reading related articles, and using our lesson plan. Then participate in a deliberation in your classroom regarding the possible short and long term solutions to the "fiscal cliff" and budget impasse.   To get started, visit: "Fiscal Cliff" Overview "Fiscal Cliff" Lesson Plan Vocab Preview Timely Teachable Videos 2012 Veteran's Day Observance (1 hr. 7 min.) President Obama paid tribute to American veterans by laying a wreath at the  Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. World War II (1 hr. 44 min.) History Professor Gary Ostrower of Alfred University in New York examined  the origins of World War II and discussed the war’s major battles and turning points. In Depth with Author Kenneth Davis (3 hr.) Author Kenneth Davis talked about his body of work and his newest book,  "Don’t Know Much About the American Presidents". President Obama's Victory Speech (30 min.) President Obama spoke about the election night results to supporters at his  presidential campaign headquarters in Chicago. Mitt Romney's Concession Speech (7 min.) Former Republican Presidential Candidate Mitt Romney conceded the election in the early hours of Wednesday morning from his headquarters in Boston. Electoral College Map A very limited number of C-SPAN's 2012 Electoral College Map posters are still available. This large wall poster has been updated based on the 2010 census and includes information about the Electoral College, historical election results, and key dates leading up to the 2012 presidential election that can jumpstart a variety of lessons and fit a wide range of subject matters and grade levels. The poster is FREE for all C-SPAN Classroom members. Request your copy here.