Summary: In this lesson, students will be able to explain how the Electoral College was designed and works and why it was included in the U.S. Constitution in 1787. In addition, students will apply active listening to Identify the problems that have arisen with the Electoral College through our history and in the modern day. Finally, students will take and defend a position on whether the Electoral College should be replaced by a national popular vote.
Overarching questions:
- CIVICS: How have the concepts of liberty, justice and/or equality changed during the time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.8.CivicsPD.3.a: Cite evidence to determine the role that compromise played in the creation and adoption of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
- 6.3.8.CivicsPD.2: Propose and defend a position regarding a public policy issue at the appropriate local, state, or national level.
- 6.1.12.CivicsPI.14.a: Draw from multiple perspectives to evaluate the effectiveness and fairness of the processes by which local, state, and national officials are elected.
Link to Lesson: Should the Electoral College Be Abolished?