This lesson plan introduces middle school students to the Electoral College, a complex yet crucial part of the American political system. The plan emphasizes interactive activities and real-world application to foster deeper understanding and engagement.
Subject: Civics, Social Studies, Government
Grade Level: 6-8
Time Allotment: 3-4 days (45-minute periods)
Day 1: Introduction to the Electoral College & Presidential Elections
Objective: Students will understand the basic concept of the Electoral College and its role in presidential elections.
Materials: Whiteboard or projector, markers/pens, internet access (optional for research).
Activities:
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Engage (10 minutes): Begin with a captivating question: "If everyone in the US voted directly for the President, how might that be different from how we do it now?" Encourage class discussion.
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Explore (20 minutes): Introduce the Electoral College using simple, age-appropriate language. Explain the process: each state gets a number of electors based on its population (House representatives + Senators). Focus on the "winner-take-all" system in most states. Use visual aids like a map showing electoral votes per state.
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Explain (10 minutes): Explain why the Electoral College was created (historical context – compromise between large and small states). Discuss potential pros and cons (briefly – deeper dive in later days).
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Elaborate (5 minutes): Assign homework: Research a recent presidential election (e.g., 2020) and find the electoral vote totals for each candidate.
Day 2: Simulating an Electoral College Election
Objective: Students will experience the Electoral College process through a simulated election.
Materials: Map of the US showing states and electoral votes, index cards, colored markers, tally sheets.
Activities:
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Engage (10 minutes): Review homework – discuss findings from the research assignment.
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Explore (25 minutes): Divide students into groups representing different states. Assign each group a state and its number of electoral votes. Each group "campaigns" for a fictional presidential candidate (Candidate A or B) by creating campaign slogans and presenting their arguments. Groups then "vote" by writing their state's electoral votes on index cards.
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Explain (10 minutes): Tally the electoral votes. Announce the "winner" based on the Electoral College results, even if Candidate B won the popular vote. Discuss the implications of this outcome.
Day 3: Debating the Electoral College
Objective: Students will critically analyze the arguments for and against the Electoral College.
Materials: Chart paper, markers, internet access.
Activities:
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Engage (10 minutes): Review the simulated election and its results, prompting discussion about the fairness of the Electoral College.
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Explore (20 minutes): Divide students into two groups: one arguing for the Electoral College and one arguing against it. Provide research time to support their arguments.
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Explain (15 minutes): Each group presents their arguments. Facilitate a class discussion on the merits and drawbacks of the system.
Day 4: Current Events & Future Considerations
Objective: Students will connect their learning to current events and consider potential reforms to the Electoral College.
Materials: News articles about recent presidential elections and Electoral College debates, computers/tablets (optional).
Activities:
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Engage (15 minutes): Discuss current events related to the Electoral College. Are there ongoing debates about changing the system?
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Explore (20 minutes): Brainstorm potential alternative systems for electing a president (e.g., national popular vote). Discuss the pros and cons of these alternatives.
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Explain (10 minutes): Summarize the key concepts learned throughout the lesson. Encourage students to reflect on their understanding of the Electoral College and its significance in American democracy.
Assessment:
- Participation in class discussions.
- Completion of research assignments.
- Performance in the simulated election.
- Presentation of arguments for/against the Electoral College.
Differentiation:
- For struggling learners: Provide simplified materials and more direct instruction. Offer one-on-one support.
- For advanced learners: Encourage independent research on specific aspects of the Electoral College or related topics (e.g., historical Supreme Court cases).
This lesson plan provides a framework for teaching the Electoral College to middle school students. Remember to adjust the activities and time allocation to fit your students’ needs and the available resources. The goal is to create a dynamic and engaging learning experience that fosters critical thinking and informed civic participation.
