Barack Hussein Obama

Barack Hussein Obama II was born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His father, Barack Obama Sr., was a Kenyan economist, and his mother, Ann Dunham, was an American anthropologist. The diverse cultural background of his parents played a significant role in shaping his worldview. After his parents divorced, Obama’s mother remarried an Indonesian man, and the family moved to Jakarta. Obama lived in Indonesia for four years, where he attended local schools and was exposed to a different culture and lifestyle.

Return to the United States

At the age of ten, Obama returned to Hawaii to live with his maternal grandparents. He attended the prestigious Punahou School, where he excelled academically and developed a keen interest in basketball. Despite facing challenges related to his mixed-race identity, Obama found a sense of belonging and purpose in his education and extracurricular activities.

College Years

Obama’s college journey began at Occidental College in Los Angeles, where he spent two years before transferring to Columbia University in New York City. He graduated from Columbia in 1983 with a degree in Political Science. His college years were marked by a growing awareness of social and political issues, which inspired him to pursue a career in public service.

Harvard Law School

After a few years of working as a community organizer in Chicago, Obama enrolled at Harvard Law School. During his time at Harvard, he became the first African American president of the prestigious Harvard Law Review. This achievement brought him national recognition and paved the way for his future political career. He graduated magna cum laude in 1991.

Early Political Career

After law school, Obama returned to Chicago, where he practiced as a civil rights attorney and taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School. He entered politics in 1996, winning a seat in the Illinois State Senate. As a state senator, he worked on legislation to improve healthcare, education, and criminal justice reform.

Rise to National Prominence

Obama’s keynote address at the 2004 Democratic National Convention catapulted him to national prominence. His eloquence and message of hope and unity resonated with many Americans. Later that year, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, representing Illinois. In the Senate, he worked on issues such as nuclear non-proliferation and government transparency.

Presidential Campaign

In 2008, Obama announced his candidacy for the presidency. Running on a platform of change and hope, he won the Democratic nomination and defeated Republican candidate John McCain in the general election. His election as the first African American president of the United States was a historic moment, inspiring millions around the world.

Presidency

Obama served two terms as president from 2009 to 2017. His administration is known for significant achievements such as the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform, and the repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. His foreign policy initiatives included the operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden and the Iran nuclear deal. However, his presidency also faced challenges, including the Great Recession, partisan gridlock, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Post-Presidency

Since leaving office, Obama has remained active in public life. He established the Obama Foundation, which focuses on empowering young leaders and promoting civic engagement. He has also authored several books, including his memoir "A Promised Land," which offers a detailed account of his life and presidency.

Legacy

Barack Obama's legacy is marked by his efforts to promote equality, healthcare reform, and international diplomacy. He remains a prominent figure in global politics and continues to influence discussions on social justice, democracy, and climate change. His story of resilience and leadership continues to inspire people worldwide.

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Questions

1. What significant childhood experiences influenced Barack Obama's worldview?
2. How did Obama’s time at Harvard Law School shape his future career?
3. What were some key achievements of Obama's presidency?
4. How has Obama remained active in public life after his presidency?
5. What is the primary focus of the Obama Foundation?

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Vocabulary

1. Anthropologist: A person who studies human societies, cultures, and their development.
2. Eloquent: Fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.
3. Prominence: The state of being important or famous.
4. Civil Rights Attorney: A lawyer who works to protect the rights of individuals and ensure equal treatment under the law.
5. Non-proliferation: The prevention of an increase or spread of something, especially nuclear weapons.
6. Gridlock: A situation in which no progress can be made due to disagreement.
7. Diplomacy: The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations.
8. Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
9. Memoir: A historical account or biography written from personal knowledge.
10. Civic Engagement: Individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern.

Phrasal Verb

Take on?- To accept or begin to deal with a responsibility or task.

• Example: "Barack Obama decided to take on the challenge of running for the presidency."

American Idiom

Against all odds?- Despite the difficulties or challenges.

• Example: "Against all odds, Obama became the first African American president of the United States."

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English Grammar Tip

List of US Political Positions/Roles

Executive Branch

1. President of the United States

• The head of state and government, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and leader of the executive branch.

1. Vice President of the United States

• The second-highest executive officer, who presides over the Senate and steps in if the president is unable to serve.

1. Cabinet Members

• Heads of the executive departments (e.g., Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Treasury) who advise the president.

1. White House Chief of Staff

• The president's top aide, who oversees the Executive Office of the President and manages the president's schedule and staff.

Legislative Branch

1. Senator

• A member of the United States Senate, representing a state (two per state) and serving six-year terms.

1. Representative

• A member of the House of Representatives, representing a congressional district and serving two-year terms.

1. Speaker of the House

• The presiding officer of the House of Representatives and leader of the majority party.

1. Senate Majority Leader

• The leader of the majority party in the Senate, responsible for setting the legislative agenda.

1. Senate Minority Leader

• The leader of the minority party in the Senate, acting as the main spokesperson for the opposition.

1. House Majority Leader

• The second-highest-ranking member of the majority party in the House, responsible for legislative strategy.

1. House Minority Leader

• The leader of the minority party in the House, acting as the main spokesperson for the opposition.

Judicial Branch

1. Supreme Court Justice

• A member of the United States Supreme Court, the highest judicial authority, serving lifetime appointments.

1. Chief Justice of the United States

• The head of the United States Supreme Court, responsible for overseeing the administration of the court.

1. Federal Judge

• Judges appointed to the federal courts, including district courts, courts of appeals, and specialty courts, serving lifetime appointments.

State Government

1. Governor

• The head of the executive branch of a state government.

1. Lieutenant Governor

• The second-highest executive officer in a state government, often presiding over the state Senate.

1. State Senator

• A member of a state's Senate, serving in the state legislature.

1. State Representative/Assembly Member

• A member of a state's House of Representatives or Assembly, serving in the state legislature.

Local Government

1. Mayor

• The head of the executive branch of a city or town government.

1. City Council Member

• An elected official who serves on the legislative body of a city or town government.

1. County Commissioner

• An elected official who serves on the governing body of a county.

Additional Positions

1. Attorney General

• The chief legal officer of the United States or a state, responsible for representing the government in legal matters.

1. Secretary of State (State Level)

• An official responsible for overseeing elections, maintaining state records, and other administrative duties.

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Listening

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Homework Proposal

Write a detailed essay on Barack Obama's impact on American society. Focus on his key achievements, challenges faced during his presidency, and his influence post-presidency. Include at least three vocabulary words from the provided list and demonstrate the correct use of the past perfect tense in your writing.