Teaching the Election

Tuesday, November 5th is quickly approaching! So, students will see more political ads and commercials than ever. While some years involve quieter elections, this is definitely not one of them. There are a lot of emotions, discussions, and debates over who will help the United States support its citizens and pay off debt. So, students must have lessons that focus on teaching the election. Whether students can vote this year or need to wait until they are older, they need to understand the complex process. Additionally, they need to understand why they must form their own opinions and the importance of their vote. Thankfully, teaching the election will be a fun, exciting, and motivational process with The Political Socialization Lesson, Campaign Finance Lesson, and Electoral College Lesson!

The Importance of Elections 

Elections are not merely events where people cast votes and wait to hear the winner.  They are complex processes involving nomination, campaigning, voting, and counting. Teaching high school students about these stages prepares them with knowledge about the decision-making process and how their participation impacts the government. 

Teaching the Electoral Process 

The electoral process is a cornerstone of a democracy. Teaching high school students about elections is essential in helping them become informed citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities in a democratic society. Honestly, they must learn how important their voice is and why their opinions matter.

Election Resources 

Honestly, there is so much to include when teaching the election! Thankfully, there are amazing resources out there to help. 

For example, The Political Socialization Lesson teaches students about this important term. Additionally, the lesson teaches students about political ideology while taking them on a quote analysis. It even includes video links, answer keys, and editable documents! 

When looking for help teaching the election, it is crucial to focus on the cost. Honestly, elections are costly! So, the Campaign Finance Lesson teaches students about hard money versus soft money. There are many fun activities to ensure students understand where campaign money comes from and why the amount makes a significant difference in results. There is even a fun game show!

The Electoral College Lesson walks students through the essential information on what electoral votes are and why they matter. Students will even learn the process for deciding electoral votes! This lesson is crucial in any class that focuses on teaching the election. 

Additional Election Activities 

When looking for help teaching the election, there are so many great activities to bring into the classroom. For example, teachers can run a mock election. Students can all vote for a candidate based on who they feel should win the election. Teachers can even add in writing with an argumentative essay. Students can argue who they feel should win and why. Once students have solid reasoning, they can even have a debate based on facts and solid reasoning. 

Teaching the election is an essential part of any history class. Students are the future voters. So, it is imperative that they understand the importance of their vote and how a democracy works. Thankfully, using these resources will help ensure students are ready to make an educated vote once they are old enough to register. 

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