As a teacher, it is important to educate your students about the democratic process of electing the President of the United States. Understanding the history of presidential elections is critical for students to become aware of how society is shaped by politics. A successful way of teaching about presidential elections is by organizing them by years so that students feel more connected to the context of when these elections occurred and the US political climate at the time.
Begin by giving an overview of the history of presidential elections in the United States, their significance, and what students should expect to learn from learning about them class. A fun activity could be to create a timeline of US presidential elections, starting with the first election, as students have a visual representation of how US politics has evolved over time.
Next, organize the lesson plan by years for ease of facilitation and pacing. For example, you can cover the presidential elections of 1800, 1860, 1912, 1932, 1960, 2000, and 2008. All of these years have unique stories and outcomes that impacted the US democracy.
When teaching about the presidential election of 1800, talk about how it was a close race between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Highlight the historical significance of the election, such as the establishment of peaceful transfer of power between political parties, and how the election of Jefferson impacted the country’s political landscape.
In covering the presidential election of 1860, focus on its historical context of the American Civil War, Abraham Lincoln’s victory, and how the results triggered the abandonment of the Southern states from the United States. It is essential to emphasize that presidential elections have a profound effect on the country’s history and its citizens, and it is through these elections that people carry out their democratic right to elect leaders.
In discussing the presidential election of 1912, cover the emergence of a third political party, Progressive or Bull Moose Party. Emphasize how this election shifted America’s political landscape, with the rise of Progressive Era reforms, which aimed at transforming and improving American politics.
The presidential election of 1932 is equally significant, with Franklin D. Roosevelt being elected as the new President of the United States. Teach students how this election served as a turning point in American history, as the country went through severe economic turmoil, and FDR implemented the New Deal’s policies to aid the country’s recovery.
In teaching about the 1960 presidential election, discuss the use of television in debates by the candidates, Kennedy and Nixon. The election’s outcome was influenced by mass communication and its effectiveness, something that has played a significant role in modern-day presidential campaigns.
As you go through these historical presidential elections with students, help them understand that history is cyclical, and patterns may emerge. History repeats itself, so it is important that they learn from the past to be informed and enlightened in the present and the future.
In conclusion, teaching students about presidential elections by year offers an engaging and relevant approach to learning American history and democracy. It provides a glimpse of history, its players, and the decisions that impact the country’s future. It is within our power, as educators, to equip our students with the knowledge they need to make informed choices and participate meaningfully in America’s democratic process.
