Voter turnout, or the choice by voters whether or not to participate in a given election, is impacted by a variety of factors. These factors include voter demographics (personal characteristics), political efficacy (the sense that one’s vote is important and impactful), structural barriers (such as voter registration laws and voting procedures), and type of election (midterm versus presidential).
Bell Ringer: Events Leading into the 1968 Democratic National Convention
Author and history professor Luke Nichter discussed what was occurring in the United States and around the globe leading into the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago and compares it to today.
Lesson Plan: Polling the Public on Politics
In this lesson, students will hear Vanderbilt University Professor Joshua Clinton talk about the rise of public polling on political issues. They will view videos to learn about the impact of polling through historic examples of presidential elections, discover the significance of “who” participates in polls and “how” pollsters reach them as well as the importance of language in phrasing questions in polls and the timing in conducting them. At the conclusion of this lesson, students will consider factors in reading polls so they can make their own informed decisions about candidates.
Lesson Plan: Analyzing the 2024 Presidential Debates
This lesson has students view and analyze clips from each of the 2024 presidential debates. Students will view video clips of specific questions discussed during the debate and evaluate the effectiveness of each candidate’s response. This lesson will be updated to include clips from each of the presidential and vice-presidential debates as they air on C-SPAN.
Lesson Plan: Recognizing Propaganda in Political Speeches & Advertisements
In this lesson, students will learn about different types of propaganda by examining examples presented in the media. Students will then apply that knowledge to past and current presidential campaign speeches and advertisements. The lesson is divided into three sections. Section one introduces students to ten types of propaganda; section two asks students to watch C-SPAN video clips of past speeches and identify the types of propaganda utilized, and section three has students apply their new knowledge to the current election cycle using candidates’ speeches on C-SPAN. The lesson offers flexibility so any section can be revised to meet specific classroom needs and address teacher concerns.
Bell Ringer: Why Do We Vote on the First Tuesday in November?
A look at state and federal elections and the historical reasons for why we vote on the first Tuesday in November.
Lesson Plan: Historic Presidential Elections – 1800 – John Adams vs. Thomas Jefferson
In the election of 1800, Vice President Thomas Jefferson of the Democratic-Republican Party defeated Federalist Party candidate and incumbent President John Adams in a contest that had to be decided by the U.S. House of Representatives. It was the first U.S. presidential election to be a rematch. In this lesson, students will view background videos to learn about what was occurring in the country leading into the 1800 election as well as the candidates who were running for the office of the presidency and their political parties. Students will explore the relationship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams as well as their philosophies, and hear how campaigns were managed, how the voting process was conducted and how this election was determined after resulting in a tie. In conclusion, students will consider the legacies of this election and generate parallels to today.
What Is Government?
Governments have been around for almost four thousand years. Throughout that time, they have shared the same central function: to lead and protect their people. Despite that similarity, governments do not all look or act the same way. This video explores what government is and to what extent your voice is heard by those in power.
What Roles Do Congress and the Executive Branch Play in U.S. Foreign Policy?
This Council on Foreign Relations Education resource helps students understand what the Constitution says about foreign policy. Students explore how the powers of Congress and the president protect and advance the country’s interests abroad. Through infographics, charts, and case studies, students will learn how the balance of power between these branches of government might look different in theory and practice.
Learn How to Volunteer at Your Local Election Center
Who are poll workers? And what do they do? Learn how you can take part in the democratic process as a poll worker!