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    DEMOCRACY IN THE U.S.: VOTING

 
Democracy in the U.S.:
Voting
Standards
Meaning of citizenship...
Participation in civic and political life...

OVERVIEW
What is voting? Have students write down a one sentence definition. Together, come to a consensus on the meaning of voting. Review with students the requirements for voting in a presidential election. What is not required to vote? In the general election, what names are likely to be the two most well-known on the ballot? Will there be other names on the ballot?
VIDEO CLIPS>>
Watch clips showing citizens voting in a primary election and a caucus, two events leading up to the general election.

1. What did these voters do in order to vote? How is a primary different than a caucus? Which one is most like a general election?

2. How did these people appear to feel about voting?

3. What may have motivated them to vote?

4. What is the impact of their vote?

5. What general observations can you make about voting in the U.S. based on the video clips?

APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Review the following conditions and have students choose one and research its history. Identify any related changes/improvements that could be made in the 21st century.

  • Voting is secret
  • Voting is not mandatory
  • You must be registered to vote
  • You must be 18 to vote
  • You must be a United States citizen to vote
  • You do not have to pass any kind of a test of knowledge in order to vote
  • Election Day is not a national holiday


  •    RESOURCES >>
    C-SPAN in the Classroom
    FREE membership service
     
    Curriculum Advisory Team
     
    Road to the White House
    C-SPAN's weekly look at the candidates, issues and events that shape the 2004 Presidential race.
     
    2004 Vote
    Information about presidential and congressional candidates running in the 2004 election.
     
    3 Branches of Government
    Learn about the legislative, judicial and executive branches of the U.S. government.
     
    Vocabulary & Definitions
    Check back for more terms as the campaign progresses.
     
    Standard-Based Topics
    Review standard-based topics with
    C-SPAN in the Classroom's 2004 Vote web resources.
     
    Campaigns & Elections Home
    Link from here to all of our Vote 2004 Resources for the classroom.
     
    Classroom Resources
    Search our teaching resources by curriculum topic.

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