The college that directly affects young citizens' lives is not the university they're applying to. Learn about the Electoral College in a town hall activity in which class members debate the merits of the current system versus electing a president based on the popular vote.

Concepts

the electoral college, presidential elections, the electoral process, the electoral vote, the popular vote, discussion skills, compromises, the united states constitution

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Project the image onto the whiteboard for learners to attach their notes
• Use the question as a short journal prompt before beginning the lesson

Classroom Considerations

• Prepare for a spirited and potentially contentious debate about the electoral vote for the 2016 presidential election
• Lesson plan is valuable but ambitious; consider bulking up the instructions to make it effective
• Map reflects the 2004 election

Pros

• Encourages open discourse and cooperative discussion
• Incorporates the use of primary source materials when coming to a conclusion

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.8.1.a SL.9-10.1.a SL.11-12.1.a RH.6-8.1 RH.6-8.3 RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.3 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.3