Social Lesson plan- political cartoon and reform

Objective: I can identify examples of social justice initiatives that aim to improve civil rights in my community. Students will receive full assistance, visual image response, and visual multiple-choice options.

The Bosses of the Senate
Joseph Keppler’s The Bosses of the Senate is a famous political cartoon published in 1889.
What the cartoon shows:
• The Senate chamber is drawn with large, wealthy men representing powerful industries (like steel, railroads, and oil) standing in the back, overshadowing the senators.
• These men are labeled with the names of industries, symbolizing their control.
• Above the door, there’s a sign that says, “This is the Senate of the Monopolists, by the Monopolists, and for the Monopolists,” twisting Abraham Lincoln’s famous quote about democracy.

Key Symbols:
1. The “Bosses” (Large Men): They represent powerful monopolies and big businesses of the Gilded Age. Their oversized bodies show how they dominate the government, making them seem larger than life.
2. The Small Senators: They symbolize the elected officials who are supposed to represent the people, but in this cartoon, they are overpowered by business interests.
3. Closed Door in the Background: It says “The People’s Entrance,” but it is blocked off, showing that ordinary citizens don’t have much influence in the government.

Meaning and Message:
• Keppler is criticizing how big businesses controlled politics in the late 19th century, during the Gilded Age.
• It shows how the government, especially the Senate, was influenced by wealthy businessmen rather than serving ordinary Americans.
• The cartoon warns that democracy is being undermined when money and corporate power dominate decision-making.

This cartoon shows how important it is to make sure everyone has a voice in democracy, a lesson that is still important today.

Lesson Plan: Investigating Power and Influence in Politics through Joseph Keppler’s The Bosses of the Senate

Subject: Social Studies / Civics

Grade Level: Middle School

Duration: 50 minutes

Lesson Title: Understanding Political Power: Analyzing Joseph Keppler’s The Bosses of the Senate

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Analyze the meaning and symbolism in Joseph Keppler’s The Bosses of the Senate.

2. Explain how political cartoons reflect societal concerns about power and influence.

3. Connect themes from the cartoon to modern issues of political influence and lobbying.

Materials Needed:

• Image of The Bosses of the Senate (can be printed or projected from Wikipedia).

• Labeled diagram to help students identify details in the cartoon.

• Video: Political Cartoons Explained: How Artists Expose Power (YouTube link).

• Worksheet for analyzing political cartoons.

Learning Target:

“I can analyze political cartoons to understand how artists like Joseph Keppler critique power and influence in government.”

Lesson Procedure:

1. Opening (10 minutes)

1. Introduce the Artwork:

• Display Joseph Keppler’s The Bosses of the Senate cartoon prominently.

• Ask students:

• “What do you notice about this image?”

• “Who do you think the large figures represent?”

• “What message might the artist be trying to convey?”

2. Provide Context:

• Briefly explain: The cartoon was published in 1889 by Joseph Keppler in Puck magazine. It critiques the influence of wealthy industrialists and corporations over the U.S. Senate during the Gilded Age.

• Highlight the caption: “This is a Senate of the Monopolists, by the Monopolists, and for the Monopolists!”

2. Main Activities (30 minutes)

Activity 1: Cartoon Analysis (15 minutes)

• Distribute a worksheet with the following questions:

• What details do you notice in the cartoon? (e.g., the size of the figures, their labels, the chamber layout).

• Who do the large figures (the “bosses”) represent? (Hint: Monopolists and industry tycoons).

• What do the small senators represent?

• How does the artist use symbolism to communicate his message?

• Allow students to work individually or in pairs to analyze the cartoon using the worksheet.

• Discuss responses as a class.

Activity 2: Video Connection (15 minutes)

• Show a YouTube video: Political Cartoons Explained: How Artists Expose Power (or a similar relevant video).

• After viewing, guide a class discussion:

• How do political cartoons help people understand government and power?

• What modern issues might be represented in political cartoons today (e.g., lobbying, corporate influence, campaign funding)?

3. Closing (10 minutes)

1. Class Reflection:

Discuss:

• How did Joseph Keppler use art to critique power and influence in his time?
• Who do you think should have more power in the government: big businesses or ordinary people? Why?
• Why do you think the people’s entrance is blocked? How does that make you feel?
• How can we prevent situations like this today, where one group has too much power?

• Do you think political cartoons are still effective today? Why or why not?

2. Exit Ticket Question:

• “What do you think is the most important message in The Bosses of the Senate? How does it connect to issues we face today?”

Extended Activities/Homework:

• Option 1: Create your own political cartoon about a modern issue related to power or influence in politics.

• Option 2: Write a short essay comparing The Bosses of the Senate to a modern example of corporate influence in government.

Assessment:

• Completion and quality of worksheet analysis.

• Participation in discussions.

• Thoughtful responses in the exit ticket.

Reflection:

This lesson helps students explore the historical context of political power and corporate influence while drawing connections to contemporary issues. Through art and discussion, students develop critical thinking and media literacy skills.

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