Hillary Rodham Clinton: Changing the Rules

She brings a new kind of activism and involvement to her role as the President's wife and has become one of the most controversial First Ladies in White House history. Hillary Rodham Clinton has provoked strong reactions all her life. A Goldwater Girl from a conservative Illinois town who became a campus activist, she spurned prestigious job offers from elite law firms to follow her husband, Bill, to Arkansas. Here is her surprising and remarkable story, told through insightful interviews with friends and family members that explore the turning points of her life. This program reveals a portrait of a fiercely intelligent and committed woman. Hillary Rodham Clinton: Changing the Rules would be useful for classes on American History, Women's History, Political Science, Civics and American Culture. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• activist
• advocate
• allegation
• candor
• chastise
• collaborate
• conservative
• epitome
• exemplify
• extemporaneous
• foundering
• incumbent
• liberal
• magnitude
• melee
• metamorphosis
• naiveté
• notorious
• personification
• touchstone
• tumultuous
• vulnerable
• wield
• zealous

1. Hillary Clinton is one of the most controversial First Ladies in American history. Why is she so controversial, and why has she been the target of so much criticism?

2. The position of First Lady is not elected, nor is it appointed. In fact, it is not an official role at all. Yet many claim that First Ladies are among the most powerful people in the world. How can a First Lady wield so much power if she has no official office?

3. Hillary Clinton's father possessed a very strong work ethic. What does this mean? How did his strong work ethic influence his daughter?

4. Hillary Rodham Clinton began life as a Republican, now she is the wife of a Democratic president. What accounted for Clinton's switch from the Republican party to theDemocratic party?

5. Hillary Clinton was an outstanding student in high school. How did her performance in high school foreshadow her future activities?

6. The 1960s were one of the most turbulent decades in American history. How did the events of the 1960s shape the events in Hillary Clinton's life and career?

7. Hillary Clinton's law specialty is the legal rights of children. How did her legal specialization help prepare her for the role ofFirst Lady?

8. What is the influence of feminism in Hillary Clinton's life?

9. Hillary Clinton is First Lady because her husband, Bill Clinton, is president. How would her life be different is she had not married Bill Clinton? Do you think she would have made an impact on society on her own?

10. Throughout the years, and especially as the First Lady of Arkansas, many have focused on, and criticized Hillary Clinton's appearance. Why has there been so much concern about her appearance? What does this say about American attitudes towards women, especially high-powered women?

1. Write a biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton.

2. Write an essay in which you argue either for or against Hillary Clinton as a presidential candidate.

3. Create a poster for one of Hillary Clinton's special interests, education. How can your poster stress the importance of education for America's future?

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Air Dates

• March 16, 2004