Unit Plan
Other

Pbs News Hour: Watch the Debates

For Students 9th - 10th
Scroll back as far as 1960 to watch and interact with highlights from debates between presidential and vice presidential candidates over the years. Examine ways the candidates debate topics of the economy, gun control, and civil rights....
Article
CNN

Cnn: Other Candidates, Other Voices

For Students 9th - 10th
1996 Debate with a twist. Third party candidates that were excluded from debates have a chance to answer a select group of questions.
Article
CNN

Cnn: All Politics Debates Bring Out the Best and the Worst I

For Students 9th - 10th
A 1996 CNN news item reviews some of the famous mistakes made in presidential debates and considers the measures candidates take to make good impressions and avoid spectacular gaffes.
Activity
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Nixon Kennedy Debate

For Students 3rd - 8th
Although Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy weren't the first presidential candidates to use the media to reach the public, their debates showed most clearly how television could influence the voting public.
Article
CNN

Cnn: Perot Sues to Stop Presidential Debates

For Students 9th - 10th
1996 article related to lawsuit filed by candidate Ross Perot, stating that debate rules were violated when he was barred from two debates.
Primary
CNN

Cnn: Presidential Debates Sights & Sounds

For Students 9th - 10th
Comprehensive site complete with audio and video of the final debate as well as a complete transcript, photographs, and candidates' views on a variety of issues.
Interactive
iCivics

I Civics: Games: Cast Your Vote

For Students 3rd - 8th
This resource is an interactive educational game that places the players in control of all three branches of government to test their abilities to turn issues of concern into full-fledged laws. In the debate, choose the questions to help...
Primary
CNN

Cnn: Sights and Sounds Gallery the Main Event

For Students 9th - 10th
Audio and video coverage of the reigning champion Bill Clinton and challenger Bob Dole during presidential debates. Comprehensive site with candidates' views on many issues as well as a full debate transcript.
Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: The Election of 1960

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the campaign and election of 1960 in which the Democratic candidate, Senator John F. Kennedy, ran against the Repbulican candidate, Vice-President Richard M. Nixon. Find out about the issues, the famous debates, and Kennedy's...
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: Presidential Election Partners

For Teachers 9th - 10th
As a presidential election approaches, have students recruit an adult "election partner" to discuss and debate candidate selection and important issues related to the campaign. Becoming an active participant in the civic process takes...
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs News Hour Extra: Voters to Choose Between Economy and Environment

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Although this lesson plan deals with the a California vote for 2010 Elections, the subject matter will need to be addressed time and time again: economy vs. environment. Green energy is more expensive. Many companies would have to go out...
Website
Smithsonian Institution

National Portrait Gallery: The Mask of Lincoln: Stephen A. Douglas

For Students 9th - 10th
A captioned portrait of Stephen Douglas encapsulates his political career and reputation in a few short paragraphs.
Handout
Other

Famous Illinoisians With Civil War Ties: Stephen Douglas

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides biographical facts about Stephen Arnold Douglas in bulleted list format.