Constitutional Rights Foundation
Naturalized Citizens and the Presidency
Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution takes center stage in a lesson plan that asks class members to assume the role of state senators, debate a resolution to amend the U. S. Constitution to permit naturalized citizens to run...
ProCon
Electoral College
The Electoral College's role in elections is sometimes confusing and controversial. Pupils use a debate topics website to research the pros and cons of the practice to debate whether the United States should still use the Electoral...
Curated OER
1792 Election Results
The beginning of American politics and elections is found in these slides, which detail the 1792, 1796, 1800 elections of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson (respectively). Plan on including your own discussion points and details in this...
Curated OER
The Media
Students explore political advertising. They discuss what informed voters should know about upcoming elections and identify the four main types of ads and view a video to identify the types of ads. Evaluating the ads, they identify...
Curated OER
They Have Issues
Students examine the different campaign styles and political platforms of the nine candidates vying for the Democratic Party nomination for the 2004 presidential election. They graph and compare candidate platforms and write an essay...
Curated OER
Election Day Cryptarithm
In this algebra worksheet, students rewrite word problems using clues, into algebraic equations. They break the code deciding between political candidates John or Barack. There is an answer key to this problem.
Curated OER
It's Up for Debate
In this lesson, students investigate the different platforms of each of the Presidential hopefuls for the 2000 election. Small groups each carefully research the platforms of an assigned candidate and then create a political pamphlet...
Curated OER
Check the Mates
Students explore John Edwards, the running mate for 2004 Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry. They research the ways in which vice presidential candidates have impacted presidential elections in modern United States history.
Curated OER
The Eleventh Hour
Students examine their own understanding of the issues and events that are framing this year's presidential race. They explore the candidates' stances on eight issues and present their findings to the class.
Curated OER
Public vs. Private
Students watch two commericals from previous presidential elections on the topic of healthcare. After reading an article, they identify the position of the various candidates for the 2008 election. In groups, they brainstorm their own...
Curated OER
The Times, Are They A-Changing?
Learners read and discuss article, "We Agreed to Agree, and Forgot to Notice," participate in anonymous mock presidential primary ballot, and share reactions to Iowa caucus results. Students then collect statements made by candidates on...
Curated OER
Propaganda Techniques
Students recognize and separate various techniques of propaganda. In this propaganda lesson, students read a handout about the various types of propaganda and how it is used ina political campaign.
Curated OER
What is a Democracy?
Young scholars identify what makes a country democratic and compare United States and Indian political party symbols. They create their own political party and party symbol. They create a campaign speech, participate in the voting...
Curated OER
Presidential Debate Primer
Learners examine the function of presidential debates. In this civics instructional activity, students view segments of presidential and vice presidential debates. Learners analyze the answers given in the debates and identify the...
Curated OER
Money in Elections:What is it Doing to America?
Students investigate the role of money in American elections. In this current events instructional activity, students read and discuss articles that address money and political campaigns. Students may conduct further research on the...
Curated OER
Presidential Election One Year Away
Students identify political parties, then read a news article about the 2008 election. In this current events instructional activity (written prior to the 2008 election), the teacher introduces the article with a discussion and...
Curated OER
Active Voice
Students identify the qualities that contribute to effective verbal and non-verbal communication. They use those qualities as criteria by which to judge an in-class political debate on education.
Curated OER
How We Elect a President in the United States
In this United States government worksheet, students learn how a president is elected in the United States. They then answer the 11 definition questions and complete an activity in which they create a platform for a presidential...
Curated OER
Red, Undecided, and Blue
Students analyze voter preferences in past elections, and then write letters to a presidential candidate, recommending winning strategies drawn from their research.
Curated OER
Justices for All
Students examine role of Supreme Court justices in the American political process, research the qualities of the current Supreme Court justices, and write opinion papers evaluating the current justices and recommending future nominations.
Curated OER
Debating Our Destiny
Students participate in debates related to the history of the United States. In groups, they research their opinion on the purpose of debates and how a debater's posture affect the outcome of the debates. They identify the political...
Curated OER
Face the Nation! A Panel Discussion
Sixth graders simulate an election-year debate between opposing political parties. In this persuasive-speech lesson plan, 6th graders will work in teams to prepare for and participate in a debate between opposing parties. The lesson plan...
Curated OER
The Right Choice
Students examine the leadership role of George Washington in the American Revolution. In this George Washington instructional activity, students read selections titled "Generalship," and "Candidate for Commander-in-Chief." After students...