Curated OER
Election Day-Alphabetical Order
In this Election Day activity, students alphabetize a set of 16 related words found in a word box at the bottom of the page. Worksheet has links to additional activities.
Curated OER
U.S. Quiz Questions
In this ESL United States worksheet, students answer a set of 25 questions about the United States. The answers to each question are written beneath each.
OpenStax
Open Stax: Competing Visions: Federalists and Democratic Republicans
After reading this section of a chapter on "The New Republic," students will be able to describe the competing visions of the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, identify the protections granted to citizens under the Bill of...
Other
Republican Party: Our History
Read the first few paragraphs of this article to find out about the formation of the Republican Party in 1854 and how it affected the political scene in the last part of the 1850s.
Other
Guide to American Political Parties
Complete directory of the political parties that are active in the United States. Links to each party's website are included along with a brief overview of each one with major players.
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: Political Parties: Mobilizing Agents
This unit examines the significance of political parties in American politics, highlighting their functions, differences, and influence on the public for political decision making. Offers video, readings, web resources, and activities.
Digital History
Digital History: Emergence of a New Party System
There were many reasons for splits in the first Republican party, now usually referred to as the Democratic-Republican Party. See how that changed the party itself and the ways those changes affected the election of 1824.
CNN
Cnn: Democratic Party History
CNN provides a brief account of Democratic party history from the party's origins in the Democratic-Republican party to the present, including information on the era preceding the Civil War.
Other
Copernicus Election Watch: History of the Parties
This site has a great timeline that tracks the history of the Democratic, Republican, and some Independent Third Parties. Also some excellent links at the bottom of the page.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Republican Philadelphia
Philadelphia today leans to the Democratic ticket in most elections. This website, ushistory.org, is completely nonpolitical, but it offers resources for right-leaning visitors to feel right at home when visiting.
CPALMS
Florida State University Cpalms: Florida Students: Party On: Political Parties in America
This tutorial examines the political parties in the United States. It looks at the two main parties, third parties, and independents. A PDF file of the tutorial is available.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Political Parties
Brief overview of the political party system in the U.S. explaining the emergence and longevity of the Democratic and Republican Parties.
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: The First American Party System: Events, Issues, and Positions
In this Curriculum Unit, students will consider "The First American Party System: Events, Issues, and Positions" in 3 Lessons. The unit also includes worksheets and other student materials that can be found under the resource tab.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Two Parties Emerge
Although George Washingon denounced the creation of political parties, they came roaring into play in the election of 1796 in which John Adams, representing the Federalists, ran against Thomas Jefferson, who represented the...
Other
Tami: Times Are a Changin' Development of the Two Party System in Texas
A collection of historical videos of political campaigns in Texas, which students analyze after an exploration of what qualities an effective political leader should have. They explore and discuss what Democrats and Republicans say in...
Other
A Brief History of American Major Parties
A good, brief history of the two party system in the United States.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Elections: Political Parties
Lesson plans on elections and the role of political parties. Find multiple choice quizzes, vocabulary, and a role play of a candidate in a town meeting.
Library of Congress
Loc: Learning Page: Party System
The Library of Congress provides a quick look at the American Party System.
iCivics
I Civics: Party Systems
Use this mini-instructional activity to show your young scholars that there are lots of different political party systems around the world besides Democrats and Republicans.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The 1824 Election and the "Corrupt Bargain"
The two-party system in presidential elections fell apart in the election of 1824. See what happened when five men, all from the Democratic-Republican Party, ran against each other. Find out why the choice of John Quincy Adams was called...
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Factionalism and Political Parties
Find out about the rise of regionalism and factionalism in the development of political parties involved in the elections of 1824 and 1828.
Other
Us News and World Report: Teddy Roosevelt, on the Bull Moose Party Ticket
A great explanation of the divide in the Republican Party in the campaign of 1912, which resulted in Theodore Roosevelt becoming a third-party candidate. Read about the vying between two Progressives, one Democratic and one previously...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Era of Good Feelings and the Two Party System
The Era of Good Feelings lasted about a decade, spanning the administration of James Monroe. Read about the policies followed during his administration, and find out why, after the demise of the Federalist Party, there arose another...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Democrat or Republican
During this lesson plan, middle schoolers will begin to understand the differences between the two major political parties that exist in the United States of America. Students will have the opportunity to discuss the roles of each...