Electing a U.S. President

miniQUEST

ELECTING a U.S. PRESIDENT

A Right and a Responsibility

Essential Understanding: Americans continue to define the role of government in their lives through civic participation in relevant political issues.

Outcome: Students demonstrate understanding of the foundations, values, and principles underlying
democracy and government in the United States. (mlo-ss 6.2)

Technology Indicators:

3.1 Students will employ technology resources to support personal productivity, group collaboration, and learning through the curriculum.
5.2 Students will employ technology tools to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.

Introduction:
One of our rights as citizens is being able to participate in the election of our U.S. President. This is also a citizen's responsibility. In order to be a good citizen, you will need to know the process for Presidential election. In this miniQuest, you will gather information about the steps to elect a President. You will also gather information about what makes a good President.

Step 1

Read about the seven steps to electing a U.S. President.

Discuss with your partner which steps should be included in a class election and which steps should be omitted. Record the steps that should be retained in a program such as Kidspiration or Inspiration.

Write, in paragraph form, a proposal for an election for class president. Explain to class members the steps you would include in your election. Also explain in what way each step would help ensure a fair election, and would also result in the selection of the best candidate for class president. Persuade your classmates that your proposal is the best choice of all proposals.

Step 2
Think about how a citizen can decide who is the best qualified to be President. What qualities should a President have? How can a citizen determine whether or not a candidate has these qualities?
Using what you have learned about the qualifications one should have to be President of the United States, discuss with your partner how these qualities could be useful in a school class president.

Write, in paragraph form, a description of the qualities you feel are needed in a 5th Grade Class President. OR Create a poster advertising the position of class president, and include those qualities needed.

Conclusion: Think about why many people do not exercise their right and responsibility as a citizen to vote. What can be done to encourage people to vote?

Recommended for Grade 5

Created by Paula Itnyre and Marie Jett
Last Updated September 2002