1. You are now a famous American historian (congratulations!). NBC News has asked you to be a talking head on election night. Ponder your studies and these and any other online rankings of presidents you want, and consider what skills you think are most important for a president and who has been most successful (however you want to define that).
A study from Siena College (sadly no longer available online) used to include communication skills, mental and physical health, ability to work with Congress, intelligence, education or work experience, imagination, foreign policy skills, court appointments, willingness to take risks, legislative success, integrity, leadership ability, avoiding mistakes, and many others-- even "luck!" NBC asks you "Tell us the five best presidents since the Civil War and explain to us your reasoning." What do you say?
2. Choose one historical event and discuss the effect that it has had on you. Provide a rationale for your response.