High schoolers examine five president's reasons for entering into a war. Using the text, they answer questions and discuss their answers with the class. They also examine President Bush's reasons for going to war in Iraq and how that...

Once a registered voter isn't always a registered voter. Academics explore the topic of voter registration and hindrances to remaining registered. The resource focuses on data analysis, federal voter registration law, and Supreme Court...

Because of the Electoral College, it is possible to win the popular vote in a US Presidential election and still lose the election. After researching the pros and cons of the Electoral College, class members engage in a structured debate...

Campaign ads target both timely issues and general themes. Presidential campaign ads from 1952 and 1988 provide class members an opportunity to compare how the topics ads choose to address can dramatically influence election outcomes.

Is Russia really a democracy? High school scholars explore Russian democracy under the leadership of President Putin. The resource provides opportunity for group discussion, writing, and research to understand Russia's political history,...

Don't stay out too late! Scholars analyze the need for youth curfews in a democratic society. They examine primary documents, case studies, and short video clips to form their opinions and take a position on the issue. Holding a class...

The battle over same-sex marriage is a prevalent issue in the United States, and a valuable topic to be discussed in your social studies classroom. Here is a basic outline of introductory questions, focus questions, vocabulary, and media...

Take a short trip back in time with this presentation, which details the political and electoral contexts of 1980's and 1990's America. Covering the Gulf War as well as domestic economics, these slides feature easy-to-read charts and...

Students research what analysts say influenced Ohio voters in a Presidential election and discuss what that meant in the election, especially in Ohio. Students use provide Internet sources for research.

Intended for use with The American Pageant by David Kennedy, Lizabeth Cohen, and Mel Piehl, this slideshow includes maps and graphs that detail politics and social dynamics in 1960's America. The textbook is not necessary for...

Young scholars examine the presidential election of 2000. In this American history lesson, students listen to their instructor lecture on the details of the 2000 election. Young scholars respond to discussion questions and participate in...

Pupils study the history and mechanics of the Electoral College and formulate opinions as to whether this institution should be preserved, modified or eliminated. They compare and contrast electoral and popular votes in the presidential...

Students take a closer look at presidential elections. In this Electoral College activity, students participate in a classroom simulation that requires them to form a political party that puts forth a candidate to run for election.

Students research the history and mechanics of the Electoral College and formulate opinions as to whether this institution should be preserved, modified or eliminated. They predict future outcomes of electoral vs. popular votes.

Ninth graders examine the origins and functions of political parties.  In this American Government lesson, 9th graders create a party platform to address political issues that are likely to arise during a national election. ...

In this voting systems worksheet, high schoolers read story problems and then use various methods to determine the probable winner of an election. They use the Plurality and Borda tables to determine outcomes. This two-page worksheet...

Students examine the local and national election process. In groups, they brainstorm a list of the issues important to them and compare them to an overall list of issues present in the election. They analyze graphs and complete...

Learners identify the issues that concern them and determine where they stand on each issue.

Students examine the roles of those in Parliament. In this British government lesson, students participate in a mock election and conduct research regarding the difference between Parliament and government. 

Students examine the balance between civil liberties and protection. In this national security lesson, students explore the Korematsu case which references the Japanese internment camps of World War II. Students draw comparisons between...

Young scholars explore the voting process. They discuss presidential elections, identify the characteristics for what makes the best costume, and participate in a class vote for best class costume.

Students discuss political parties by participating in an election and voting process in the classroom. They engage in the citizen responsibilities for electing a government official. Students discuss the history of voting in the...

Students analyze and discuss the 19th Amendment, and read the document, Why Women Want to Vote. Students illustrate statements from the handbill, then conduct a play about women's suffrage.

Students explore political persuasive writing. In this government and persuasive writing lesson, students work in groups to write text and create graphics for a  brochure describing and promoting a predetermined political candidate.