Classroom Law Project
What should I watch for in the debates?
Prepare your classes for election year debates with a series of activities that model how to watch televised debates and how to evaluate the moderators as well as the debaters.
ProCon
Drone Strikes Overseas
Should the United States continue the practice of using drone strikes abroad? Readers explore the top pro and con arguments in preparation for a debate or discussion about the topic. They read about the history of drone strikes, view a...
ProCon
Electoral College
The Electoral College's role in elections is sometimes confusing and controversial. Pupils use a debate topics website to research the pros and cons of the practice to debate whether the United States should still use the Electoral...
ProCon
President Bill Clinton
Was Bill Clinton a good president? Scholars set out to answer the question as they prepare for a class debate on the topic. They watch videos, review pros and cons, and read facts about the process of becoming a United States president....
ProCon
President Ronald Reagan
At 69 years old, Ronald Reagan was the oldest man ever to be elected president in the United States. After reviewing a thorough history of Reagan's presidency, pupils read the main pro and con arguments to determine if he was a good...
ProCon
Voting Machines
Does technology always mean advancement? Scholars take a close look at the use of voting machines. Does using a machine make voting more effective? Readers consider the advantages and disadvantages of the current voting process. They...
Center for Civic Education
Ronald Reagan and Executive Power
Article II of the United States Constitution grants Presidents executive powers in areas of international conflict, domestic and foreign policy. Using examples drawn from Ronald Reagan's presidency, class members are asked to consider...
Other
University of North Alabama: Politics and Media: Televised Presidential Debates
This site contains information about the format, advantages, disadvantages, and importance of televised Presidential debates. The importance of the visual image on television as opposed to the true message is discussed.
Poynter Institute
Poynter Online: Presidential Debates Bibliography
An archive of transcripts of past presidential debates. The archive mostly contains transcripts of debates since 1980. However, there are a select few from previous election years.
CNN
Cnn: All Politics: 1960 Presidential Debates
A summary of the key points of the four debates between John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in their race for President in 1960.
Stanford University
Stanford Presidential Lectures: Stephen Jay Gould
Standford University provides interesting biographical and professional information on Stephen Jay Gould and his many contributions to scientific thought, including his efforts to help people see science "As something that is important...
University of Chicago
Special Collections Library: Stephen A. Douglas and the American Union
Provides information about the Great Debate between Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Stephen A. Douglas
he A lengthy biography of Stephen Douglas. Discusses his involvement in politics, in particular, his involvement with the slavery issue, his runs for presidency, his famous debates, and much more.
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: April 23: The Little Giant
Contains a short biography on U.S. congressman, senator, and presidential candidate Stephen A. Douglas.
Other
Famous Illinoisians With Civil War Ties: Stephen Douglas
Provides biographical facts about Stephen Arnold Douglas in bulleted list format.