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Lesson Plan
In this lesson, students evaluate hypothetical candidates by establishing and applying their own criteria for selecting public officials. Through a variety of activities, students assess political candidates based on their qualifications, experience, campaign speeches and campaign materials. Students track campaign promises, explore voting records and evaluate the legitimacy of information resources. The role of the media, fundraising and opinion polls in the electoral process is also discussed.
Check out our Candidate Report Card activity where students apply the skills they learn in this lesson to current political races.
Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
Lovethis lesson?Explore all of our free election curriculum and teaching resources at ourElection Headquarters.
Teacher Resources
Get access to lesson plans, teacher guides, student handouts, and other teaching materials.
Resources
- Candidate Eval_Lesson Plan.pdf
- Candidate Eval_StudentDocs.pdf
- Candidate Eval_Fillable PDFs.zip
I find the materials so engaging, relevant, and easy to understand – I now use iCivics as a central resource, and use the textbook as a supplemental tool. The games are invaluable for applying the concepts we learn in class. My seniors LOVE iCivics.
Lynna Landry , AP US History & Government / Economics Teacher and Department Chair, California
Related Resources
Lesson Plan
Campaign Cash (Infographic)
Every election, candidates spend ALOT of money on their campaign. Do you know where the candidates get that money and what they spend it on?
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Lesson Plan
Campaigning: It's a Process
No one gets elected in a day.Well...they do! But there's a lot that has to happen before the voters cast their ballot. Campaigning is a whole process!
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Lesson Plan
Candidate Report Card
Help your class apply their candidate evaluation skills with this election season activity. Students will select the issues and qualities they care about, then research candidates running for the office of your choice.Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
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Game
Cast Your Vote
Election Day is coming, are you prepared to vote?
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Lesson Plan
Election Glossary
There's lots of vocabulary associated with elections, so give students this handy glossary to use as a reference. Whether it's election season or you're just covering elections in your curriculum, this glossary will help.Please note: This is not a lesson plan. It'sa glossary that can support any of our lessons or games in your classroom.Lovethis lesson?Explore all of our free election curriculum and teaching resources at ourElection Headquarters.
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Lesson Plan
Election Results Tracker
Our Election Results Tracker activity helps students monitor the election results with a map and Electoral College vote counter.Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
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Lesson Plan
Got Ballot?
Covering everything from referendums to recalls, this lesson takes students to the voting booth and explains what is on a ballot. Students will discover how voters have the opportunity to initiate change in state and local government.Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
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Lesson Plan
Midterm Math (Infographic)
How many reasons are there to care about the midterms? Thousands! Use this printableinfographic to show your students the impact that the 2022 midterm elections have on the legislative and executive branches.iCivics en español! A version of this infographic is available in Spanish along with a Spanish Teacher’s Guide.
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Lesson Plan
Mini-lesson: The Incumbent Advantage (HS)
Learn about the electoral advantage that favors incumbents and the benefits and drawbacks of reelecting members of Congress. Then, put students' news literacy skills to work as they learn what distinguishes an opinion piece, op-ed, or commentary from traditional news.
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Lesson Plan
Mock Election
In this three-day mock election role-play lesson, students explain the steps taken from party formation to national election. Harnessing skills gained from the Electoral Process lesson, students will act out the campaigning and voting process by simulating a real election in their own classroom.Lovethis lesson?Explore all of our free election curriculum and teaching resources at ourElection Headquarters.
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See how it all fits together!
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