Objectives+&+Curriculum+Alignment

=2008 U.S. Presidential Election=

**K-12 Objectives**

1. Describe and explain the process of presidential elections.
 * Describe the requirements of becoming a president as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
 * Trace or document the steps a candidate must take to be elected to the presidency.
 * Argue (debate) whether or not presidential elections should be decided through the Electoral College.
 * Collect examples of and discuss non-traditional (versus traditional) campaigning and the impact of technology and media on the presidential race.

2. Become familiar with the 2008 candidates as well as the issues which will shape the future of our country's leadership.
 * Research and create a biographical profile of the candidates and his/her qualifications, point of view on various topics, and presidential campaign.
 * Monitor the progress of the presidential candidates and participate in classroom discussions about the success of the various campaigns.

3. Realize and appreciate the right to vote as one of the most important rights for all U.S. citizens.
 * Discuss change in voting rights throughout American history
 * Identify why voting is an important right.

Download the **K-12 objectives and MA curriculum framework alignment**. .


 * Instructional Strategies for Teachers**


 * Suggested Lesson Plans**

http://pbskids.org/democracy/educators/donkeys.html // Summary//  It is a difficult skill for students to recognize government at its national level. Also, the concept of political action, political parties and their role in the democratic process is hard to teach in a conventional way. These hands-on activities are designed to help students journey through politics from its "grass roots" to a national convention through the creation of a new political party and the development of the convention's national platform.
 * The Democracy Project: Political Parties** (Elementary & Middle)

http://www.cyberlearning-world.com/lessons/ushistory/lppolpart.htm //Objectives// The students will... I. identify the beliefs of the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans of the Election of 1800. II. simulate the role of the electoral college and House of Representatives in the election of the President. III. evaluate the validity of the Electoral College in the 1800 and the 2000 elections.
 * Early Political Parties** (High School)

http://score.rims.k12.ca.us/activity/parties/ //Summary// Students have a chance to register to vote for the very first time. Everyone must decide which political party they will join or if they will register as an independent. You are part of a group who will be analyzing one current political party and making a presentation to the class about this partys solutions for the problems that confront the U.S. today. Since your role as „party analyst is so important to your classmates, you will strive to ensure that all information presented is current and accurate.
 * In Praise of Political Parties** (High School)

http://www.eduref.org/Virtual/Lessons/Social_Studies/US_Government/GOV0030.html //Overview and Purpose// Many view polls as either magical predictions or sinister voodoo. Neither is accurate. Polls are merely a source of information. In a society which surveys everything from soap used to political preference, it is essential that polls are neither feared nor revered. Students must know polls are statements of short term probability that may easily be skewed. They are a tool to help man make rational decisions.
 * Political Polls** (High School)

http://www.eduref.org/Virtual/Lessons/Social_Studies/US_Government/GOV0048.html //Overview and Purpose// Can be used for American and World History classes. It is designed to introduce the student to voting patterns and how political parties are used for social change. It is flexible enough to use at any time during the year. Students will be able to classify political parties between the radical-conservative range. Students will identify their interests with a political party.
 * Voting Game** (High School)