Presidents & Public

This passage explains how public opinion about the presidency has changed over time. Early presidents like George Washington earned trust by setting traditions and limiting power to avoid acting like kings. During crises, public opinion often shifted, such as during Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, Roosevelt’s New Deal, and Bush’s response to 9/11. Today, technology and the internet allow citizens to share opinions more quickly, which can strengthen or weaken presidential power. The passage emphasizes that understanding public opinion helps explain why voting and civic participation are important.

Reading this passage improves comprehension skills by showing how opinions affect leadership. It builds vocabulary with words like “criticism,” “participation,” and “leadership.” Students practice critical thinking by comparing past and modern influences on opinion. Exposure to structured explanations strengthens grammar and sentence awareness. Finally, it develops analytical reading skills as students connect leadership decisions with public reaction.