Can anyone grow up to be president of the United States? As part of their study of the 2020 election, groups research the constitutional requirements to become president. The class then brainstorms a list of qualifications beyond those listed in the constitution and compare the candidates with their lists.

Concepts

presidential campaigns, presidential candidates, presidential elections, research reports, critical thinking, the united states government, the united states

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

social studies

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Pair the lesson with the "Presidential Electability" plan and ask class members to consider whether the most electable candidate is the most qualified
• Ask class members to bring in job ads to use as models 
• Expand the research and have groups investigate the qualifications of the vice president candidates as well
• Provide groups with a color copy of the "How to Become the US President" infographic
• Enlarge the infographic and post in a prominent place in the classroom 
• conduct the lesson prior to the November ,2020 election

Classroom Considerations

• Requires student access to computers with internet
• Although designed for the 2020 presidential election, the lesson is appropriate for any US presidential election

Pros

• Encourages critical thinking
• The brainstorming activity asks students to think about personal qualities as well as legal qualification

Cons

• None