Exploring Electoral Systems
Learning Objective
I can analyze different electoral systems and their potential impacts on electio n outcomes.
Lesson Flow
Watch Video
The Electoral College, explained
Vox
Guided Notes
Key concepts students will learn:
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Unlike most democracies, the U.S. uses the Electoral College to elect its president, rather than a simple popular vote.
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In the Electoral College, each state gets a number of delegates based on its congressional representatives plus two senators, which results in voters in states like Wyoming having more influence than voters in states like California.
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Presidential candidates often focus their campaign efforts on swing states, because the candidate who wins the most votes in that state receives all of its electoral votes.
Practice
6 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer
Exit Ticket
“Explain how the Electoral College can lead to a presidential candidate winning the election without winning the popular vote. Use an example from the video.”
Teacher Guide
Get the complete package:
- Answer keys for all questions
- Differentiation strategies
- Extension activities
- Printable student handouts
