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  Elections

Introduction Election Day Voting Election of the President Candidates Political Parties Primary Election National Conventions National Conventions - An Inside View Candidates at the Convention The Campaign Polling Places The Electoral College The Electoral Map The Inauguration

  

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Books & Reading

Books & Reading

Is there a law against false advertising in political ads?

How much money do you think a presidential candidate needs to raise for his or her campaign?

Why do candidates need money?

Who pays for presidential campaigns?


Learn About Presidential Campaigns and Candidates

 

Primary Election Political Parties Election Day Voting Election of the President Candidates National Conventions National Conventions - An Inside View Candidates at the Convention The Campaign Polling Places The Electoral College The Electoral Map The Inauguration

 
The Campaign

All Aboard the Campaign Train!
http://www.pbs.org/democracy/kids/educators/allaboard.html
Lesson Plan - Plan a "whistle stop" campaign train trip across the United States. Create slogans, songs, speeches. Use measurements of time and distance.

Campaign Ad Critique
http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/00-2/lp2091.shtml
Lesson Plan and Activities - Learn a lesson in media literacy!

The Eye of the Beholder: A Media Literacy Activity
http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/00-2/lp2106.shtml
Lesson Plan and Activities - Explore the impact the news media have on shaping perceptions and opinions in general and in their coverage of the presidential campaign.

Meet the Press
http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/00-2/lp2101.shtml
Lesson Plan and Activities - Play the roles of candidate, campaign manager, and journalist in this activity.

The Presidential Campaign Game
http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/00-2/lp2105.shtml
Lesson Plan and Activities - Experience the workings of the political process and what it takes to manage a political campaign.

President Forever 2008 + Primaries http://www.theoryspark.com/political_games/president_forever/info/
Are you ready to become the most powerful political leader in the world? Prove it in this definitive political election game. Your campaign will be successful through writing speeches, running ads (including attack ads on opponent), and having a rally. The 2008 election or past elections can be simulated, with multiple players or playing against the computer. There is a demo and a paid version that can be bought online.

What Are the Important Issues?
http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/00-2/lp2093.shtml
Lesson Plan and Activities - Determine the most important issue of the current campaign.

Write a Presidential Speech
http://www.abcteach.com/Elections/speech.htm
Plan your speech using the printable worksheet.

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While presidential campaigns traditionally begin after Labor Day, they actual kick off at the nominating conventions held over the summer. Once the conventions have ended, the candidates launch campaigns; some begin even before the conventions.

Surf with Uncle Sam
Surf with Uncle Sam

Word Spy
Word Spy

Projects You Can Do

Start a collection of election memorabilia.

Campaign buttons are a popular thing to collect. Inauguration buttons are also popular after the candidate is elected. Some people save hats with the candidate's slogan which are worn at the political conventions for each party.

Items to collect:

  • T-shirts
  • Bumper stickers
  • Posters
  • Campaign signs
  • Ball caps
  • Items with the candidate's name or slogan
  • Printed copies of slogans
  • Newspaper articles
  • Vote tallies from primaries
  • News headlines
  • Dated copies of actual election day results
  • Magazine articles (put in sheet protectors and save in a binder)
  • toys
  • Quotations of the candidates
  • Coffee mugs
  • Fans
  • Postcards
  • Keychains
  • Postcards
  • Handbills
  • Ballots or samples cut from local newspapers
  • Banners
  • Toys
  • Armbands
Where to get collectables:
  • Most collectible memorabilia can be purchased.
  • Find some items on the Internet. Try eBay.
  • Check political party headquarters.
  • Watch at garage sales.
  • Ask friends and family members.

 

Awards

 

The Dirksen Congressional CenterCopyright 2008