NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee sharply criticized former special counsel Jack Smith over his investigation of President Donald Trump, which produced more than 40 criminal charges that have since been dropped. GOP lawmakers accused Smith of partisanship, but as Ali Rogin reports, Smith defended his conduct, saying the law required him to act.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
View the transcript of the story.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who is Jack Smith?
- Why was Smith testifying in the House Committee?
- What crimes did Smith's team charge Donald Trump with?
- When was the case related to classified documents dismissed by the federal judge?
- How are the terms "partisanship" or "partisan loyalty" used in this story?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- Why do you think the Republicans called Smith to testify? Do you think this was a wise tactic? Explain.
- What do you think it would take for politicians from different political parties to work together more?
Media literacy: What additional questions do you have about the hearing that were not covered in this story? Take a few minutes as a class to see if you could address some of these questions.
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
- Several organizations have aimed at bridging political divides in recent years. The News Hour series America at a Crossroads began after the 2020 election to analyze why the U.S. has become so polarized (divided). Choose one of the America at a Crossroad lessons that most interests you and watch it with a classmate, family member or friend. Complete the discussion questions together and make sure to note where you saw common ground.
- Watch the video How Trump is challenging America’s judicial system during his second term to learn more about how America’s judicial system is undergoing one of its most consequential stress tests as President Trump pushes the limits of executive power and strains the system of checks and balances.
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