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iCivics: The Electoral Process
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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
- Make sure the site is not blocked at your site.
- Be sure student computers can access the site.
- Go to icivics.org and sign up for a teacher account if you are going to monitor student progress.
- Download iCivic's PowerPoint and detailed "Teacher's Guide" for the Electoral Process with step-by-step instructions.
- Review the lesson plan and make any needed adjustments for your class
- Make copies of the Reading and Activity pages.
- 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
- Familiarize yourself with the game so you can assist students.
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
Lesson Plan
Objective: Engage students and activate prior knowledge about elections.
- Activity: Start with a class discussion.
- Ask students: "What do you know about elections?" and "Did anyone in your family vote in the last election?"
- Record responses on the board to gauge their current understanding.
- Show a short, engaging video clip about the election process to spark interest.
Objective: Introduce the main concepts and vocabulary related to elections.
Activity:
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- Distribute the reading pages to the class.
- Go through each section as a class, ensuring students understand key terms (e.g., popular vote, Electoral College, nomination process).
- Use a PowerPoint presentation to support the information visually.
Objective: Present detailed information on the electoral process, focusing on differences between presidential and congressional elections, and party conventions.
Activity:
- Continue using the PowerPoint to cover the detailed aspects of the lesson.
- Highlight and discuss the nomination processes and the role of party conventions.
- Include interactive elements such as quick quizzes or polls using tools like Kahoot! to reinforce understanding.
Objective: Allow students to apply their knowledge through collaborative and independent activities.
Activity:
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- Have students work in small groups to calculate the number of California electors based on the provided reading material.
- In their groups, students will complete pages 1 and 2 of the activity pages.
- Rotate between groups to provide support and answer questions.
- Reconvene as a class to review the answers using the PowerPoint, addressing any misconceptions.
Objective: Assess students' understanding of the electoral process.
Activity:
- Have students individually complete page 3 of the activity pages.
- Collect and review the pages to assess their understanding.
- Provide feedback and clarification as needed.
Objective: Apply knowledge in a real-world simulation to reinforce learning.
Activity:
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- Introduce the "Win the White House" game.
- Demonstrate how the game works, emphasizing decision-making on issues, fundraising, and public appearances.
- Depending on available resources, allow students to play the game individually or in small groups.
- Encourage students to reflect on their strategies and outcomes, discussing what they learned about the electoral process.
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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.