Take a trip to meet presidents from long ago and get a glimpse into the future as you find facts about the Commander-in-Chief.

As the leader of the executive branch of government, the President is an important part of American history.

Write down or type your answers as you move through this Web Hunt.

Presidents Past

1. George Washington: Truth and Fiction
Everyone knows the first president chopped down a cherry tree... or did he? Explore this article about Washington's childhood to discover the real story. Now record it in your own words.

Now take a look at these facts about George Washington. Record two facts about the first president.

2. Presidential Portraits
President James Polk was the first president to have his photograph taken. Before that, paintings were often the only way people knew what their president looked like and even today the official presidential portrait is an important national image.

Pick one of the first ten presidents from the slideshow of Presidential portraits at the White House website and write down the name of that president.

What qualities or characteristics do you think the artist was trying to show in this president? Does he look strong? Calm under pressure? Thoughtful?

Write down three words or phrases that describe this president's portrait.

Click on the president's full biography. Write down the years he was president and two interesting facts about him or the time he lived in.

President Present

3. In the Oval Office
How many presidents have we had? And do you know who the president is today? Find the final name on this list of presidents and write it down.

Presidents Future

4. The Job of Being President
Being the president is a lot of hard work. Do you know what's involved? Read this article to learn about the seven different roles each president must fulfill. Which role do you feel you would be best at performing? Write down the role, and in one sentence describe it. Now, write one sentence explaining why you would be especially good at that part of the job.

5. Your Turn
Think you might have what it takes to be the commander in chief? Take a turn in the Oval Office as you select your cabinet, balance the budget, and defend your choices to the press. When you're done, print out a copy of the newspaper article you've created and add it to your answers.

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