Step #1: The class will be divided into SIX groups [one for each of the three impeachment articles]. One group per article will represent House Judiciary Committee members who will attempt to persuade the rest of the House to indict President Andrew Jackson [on that impeachment article, the "PRO" side to each indictment].  One group will represent Jackson's supporters in the House who will argue against an impeachment indictment on that article [the "CON" side of each indictment].
   
Step #2: ALL students will read these primary/secondary source documents as background for the "trial:"
bullet First Inaugural Address (March 4, 1829)
bullet Second Inaugural Address (March 4, 1833)
   
Step #3: Each group will then research their particular impeachment article topic by starting with the web links below:
  Information for ALL Indictments Can be Found Here [These are just ADDITIONAL sites.  You do NOT have to read any or all of them, but some may add weight to your arguments.]:  
bullet Jackson's First Annual Address to Congress - 1829
bullet Jackson's Second Annual Address to Congress - 1830
bullet Jackson's Third Annual Address to Congress - 1831
bullet Jackson's Fourth Annual Address to Congress - 1832
bullet Jackson's Fifth Annual Address to Congress - 1833
bullet Jackson's Sixth Annual Address to Congress - 1834
bullet Jackson's Seventh Annual Address to Congress - 1835
bullet Jackson's Eighth Annual Address to Congress - 1836
bullet The Presidency of Andrew Jackson. Digital History.
 
  "Indictment" 1:  President Jackson has violated the separation of powers in his actions to destroy the Bank of the United States.
bullet "Andrew Jackson and the Bank War" - Tony D'Urso (essay). From Revolution
to Reconstruction
bullet Letter from Nicholas Biddle to Samuel Smith about President Jackson's message of 1829 - 1830
bullet Letter to Nicholas Biddle from Henry Clay - advises Biddle not to seek re-charter - 1831
bullet Henry Clay's Speech on Jackson's Bank Veto - 1832
bullet Jackson's Bank Veto Message - 1832
 
  "Indictment" 2:  President Jackson violated states rights in his dealings with South Carolina in the nullification crisis.
bullet Veto of the Maysville Road Bill - 1830
bullet Webster-Hayne Debate - 1830
bullet "Jackson and the Nullifiers" - song lyrics - 1832
bullet Jackson's Proclamation Regarding Nullification - 1832
bullet Force Bill - 1833
bullet Letter from Jackson to Van Buren Concerning Nullification - 1833
 
  "Indictment" 3:  President Jackson violated laws, treaties, and court orders in his dealings with Native Americans.
bullet Andrew Jackson Speaks:  Indian Removal. The eJournal Website.
bullet Cherokee Indian Removal Debate - 1830  [this is a very long document--just skim it]
bullet Indian Removal Act - 1830
bullet Cherokee Nation v The State of Georgia - 1831
bullet Worcester v The State of Georgia - 1832
 
  You may use any other documents that you feel are pertinent to your position from my main web links page [Topic 7 Web Links] or from any other LEGITIMATE SOURCES that you may find on the web which will support your position in the "trial."  [** Be sure to email the opposition side and let them know what "evidence" you will be using, and provide them with copies, if necessary **].
   
Step #4: Decide amongst the other members of your group how you wish to divide your presentation on the day of the "trial"--who will present the argument, who will challenge/ask questions of the other side, who will respond to questions/challenges by the other side to your group, etc.  Each individual group member will create a "position outline" [a 1 1/2 to 2 page, single-spaced, typed outline of their argument, including quotes from appropriate primary sources], that they will use in their part of the group presentation of their position, pro or con, on a particular impeachment indictment.
   
Step #5: Come to class prepared with all required printouts! Make sure that you know your role within the group.
   
Step #6: Each group will be given up to 4 MINUTES to make their presentation and up to 2 MINUTES for questioning by the other side.
   
Step #7: While the other groups are making their presentations, EVERYONE will be taking notes on those presentations and will fill out the "Discussion Sheets" [PRINT OUT 3 COPIES of these sheets and bring them to class!].  They will be handed in at the end of the "trial."
   
Step #8: When all of the arguments, pro and con, have been made, the full "House of Representatives" [the entire class] will vote on each article of impeachment.
   
Step #9: Each student will PRINT OUT the "Evaluation Sheet," fill out the "Self-Evaluation" columns, and hand it in along with their individual position outline and discussion sheets for a grade.