iCivics: The Electoral Process

Details

Activity Description

In this activity, students learn the difference between the popular vote and the Electoral College, analyze the differences between the presidential and congressional elections, compare the various nomination processes, and learn about party conventions. This is a complete lesson with worksheets and PowerPoint presentations provided. This activity concludes with the game "Win the White House", in which students make their own decisions on issues, fundraising, and public appearances. This game can be played at various levels.

https://otan.us/VideoPresentations/DigitalResourcesArticle/187#gsc.tab=0

Preparation

1. Make sure the site is not blocked at your site.
2. Be sure student computers can access the site.
3. Go to icivics.org and sign up for a teacher account if you are going to monitor student progress.
4. Download iCivic's PowerPoint and detailed "Teacher's Guide"  for the Electoral Process with step-by-step instructions.
5. Review the lesson plan and make any needed adjustments for your class
6. Make copies of the Reading and Activity pages.
7. Decide how students will play "Win the White House" , individually, in small groups, or as a class. Schedule time in the computer lab if possible
8. Familiarize yourself with the game so you can assist students.

How-To

1. Introduce the lesson by asking students what they know about elections and whether they were able to vote in the election.
2. Pass out the reading pages to the class and discuss each section paying close attention to the vocabulary.
3. As a class, have students calculate the number of California electors.
4. Have students work independently or in small groups to complete pages 1 and 2 of the activity pages.
5. Use the PowerPoint to over the activity pages and address any gaps in their understanding.
6. Use page 3 of the activity pages as an assessment to check for understanding.
7. Demonstrate "Win the White House" and give students time to play the game.

Teacher Tips

"Win the White House" takes about 30 minutes to play. Be sure to plan plenty of time.

More Ways

Check out other games and lesson plans .

Program Areas

• ASE: High School Equivalency Preparation
• ABE: Adult Basic Education
• ASE: High School Diploma

Levels

• Intermediate
• High

Subjects

• Reading
  • Government
• Social Studies
  • American Government
  • U.S. History

Standards

• Reading Foundational Skills
  • RF.4 - Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension. (Fluency)
• Reading
  • CCR Anchor 10 - Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.

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