Living in a Democracy

Vote, it's your civic duty! The resource provides several videos about voting in the United States. Scholars watch a series of topics ranging from youth participation to civic action. The educator's guide provides teachers with...

Students consider what it takes to win an American presidential election. In this current events lesson plan, students access a PBS news video about the electoral college online, watch it, and then complete activities that require them...

One of the most confusing aspects of any presidential election year is the role of the Electoral College. Learners read a bit about how the Electoral College works and then they hold a mock election in their classroom. They'll redraw a...

From a candidate's first declaration of intention to become president, through nominations and the campaign trail, and finally to election day, your class members will gain a general understanding of what it takes for an individual to...

Imagine a lesson that models for learners how to separate facts from opinions. How to detect bias. How to evaluate a source of information. How to identify propaganda. Although designed for middle schoolers, the activities in this packet...

Pupils establish how the first political parties were formed.  In this U.S. History lesson, students work in groups to share their personal viewpoint on various topics provided by the teacher, then they are assigned to bring a newspaper...

Sixth graders practice a voting method.  In this presidential election lesson, 6th graders review the concept of checks and balances, learn new terms such as the electoral college and the electoral vote, map out the electoral votes and...

Fifth graders become familiar with the people, culture, government and geography of Canada.  In this Canadian people and places lesson, 5th graders research and  create a map of Canada reflecting their gathered information.  Students...

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

Students investigate how different liberal democracies around the world organize their governments and decide major policies. They compare their findings to the American political system, using examples of current political issues.