ALEX Classroom Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] USG (12) 7 :

7 ) Describe the process of local, state, and national elections, including the organization, role, and constituency of political parties. (Alabama)

•  Explaining campaign funding and spending

•  Evaluating the impact of reapportionment, redistricting, and voter turnout on elections

[SS2010] USG (12) 8 :

8 ) Describe functions and the development of special interest groups and campaign contributions by political action committees and their impact on state and national elections. (Alabama)

•  Analyzing rulings by the United States Supreme Court, including Buckley versus Valeo, regarding campaign financing to determine the effect on the election process

[SS2010] USG (12) 10 :

10 ) Evaluate roles political parties play in the functioning of the political system of the United States.

•  Describing the role of third-party candidates in political elections in the United States

•  Explaining major characteristics of contemporary political parties in the United States, including the role of conventions, party leadership, formal and informal memberships, and regional strongholds

•  Describing the influence of political parties on individuals and elected officials, including the development of party machines, rise of independent voters, and disillusionment with party systems

This is a free interactive game from iCivics. In this game, students are challenged to manage their own presidential campaigns. Students will have a campaign manager to guide them through the campaign process. They will build arguments to support timely issues that are relevant to them, strategically raise funds to support their campaign, keep campaign momentum through targeted media campaigns and personal appearances, and poll local voters to see what issues resonate. This game can be used during a lesson on the election process as a learning activity or after as an assessment.  

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   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] USG (12) 7 :

7 ) Describe the process of local, state, and national elections, including the organization, role, and constituency of political parties. (Alabama)

•  Explaining campaign funding and spending

•  Evaluating the impact of reapportionment, redistricting, and voter turnout on elections

[SS2010] USG (12) 10 :

10 ) Evaluate roles political parties play in the functioning of the political system of the United States.

•  Describing the role of third-party candidates in political elections in the United States

•  Explaining major characteristics of contemporary political parties in the United States, including the role of conventions, party leadership, formal and informal memberships, and regional strongholds

•  Describing the influence of political parties on individuals and elected officials, including the development of party machines, rise of independent voters, and disillusionment with party systems

This learning activity details the history of voting methods in the United States including manual, mechanical, and electronic balloting. Students will also learn about the purposes and functions of the Electoral College and the Electoral Commission. Included in the resource is an interactive voting exhibition.  

   View Standards     Standard(s): [SS2010] USG (12) 10 :

10 ) Evaluate roles political parties play in the functioning of the political system of the United States.

•  Describing the role of third-party candidates in political elections in the United States

•  Explaining major characteristics of contemporary political parties in the United States, including the role of conventions, party leadership, formal and informal memberships, and regional strongholds

•  Describing the influence of political parties on individuals and elected officials, including the development of party machines, rise of independent voters, and disillusionment with party systems

In this learning activity, students explore political parties and how well they represent individuals. Students look closely at how politicians address international issues, issues important to them, and issues they support. Students compare political parties and construct an argument about which party best represents them. Additional resources are available under the Download PDF or DOC button.