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Lesson Plan

Show Me Your Credentials: Voting In America

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Show Me Your Credentials: Voting In America lesson plan also includes:

The debate over voting rights continues. To begin their study of voting rights, class members first vote on proposed new classroom rules. After a discussion of the activity, groups are given a copy of the 1965 Alabama Literacy Test and attempt to answer the questions. Finally, scholars investigate the amendments related to voting rights and the voting legislation in their state.

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Concepts
the voting rights act, voting rights, reconstruction, the reconstruction era, american democracy, literacy, the first amendment, the thirteenth amendment, the fourteenth amendment, the fifteenth amendment, discrimination
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Instructional Ideas
  • Consider dividing the lesson into three sessions: first, review the amendments; then vote on, discuss class rules and the literacy test; and finally, examine attempts to limit voting rights today
  • Have groups investigate current nationwide attempts to limit as well as expand voting rights like the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act
Classroom Considerations
  • Presumes pupils have prior knowledge of the First, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution
  • A protocol must be in place to assure a safe, respectful discussion of controversial issues
  • Requires copies for each participant of the 1965 Alabama Literacy Test
Pros
  • The lesson provides the background learners need to understand the complexity of voter registration and voting rights challenges
Cons
  • None