Introduction
Educating students about election results is vital to fostering meaningful civic engagement and promoting a better understanding of the democratic process. This article aims to help teachers guide their students in understanding the 2018 Missouri Election Results, and how these results impact local, state, and national politics.
Overview of the 2018 Missouri Elections
The 2018 Missouri general election took place on November 6th. The elections saw a significant voter turnout, with key races including that of governorship, U.S Senate, all eight U.S House seats, numerous state senate seats, and all 163 state house seats up for grabs. Additionally, several important ballot initiatives were also decided upon by Missouri voters.
Key Takeaways from the 2018 Election Results
1. U.S Senate Race
One of the most closely watched races in the nation was the Missouri U.S Senate race between incumbent Democrat Senator Claire McCaskill and Republican challenger Attorney General Josh Hawley. Josh Hawley ultimately emerged victorious, securing 51.43% of the vote compared to McCaskill’s 45.47%.
2. U.S House of Representatives
In Missouri’s eight congressional districts, Republicans held onto their seats in six districts while Democrats retained their seats in the remaining two.
3. State Legislative Races
In the Missouri State Senate elections, Republicans gained one seat, increasing their majority from 24 to 25 seats out of a total of 34. As for Missouri House races, Republicans maintained their majority control with 116 seats out of a total of 163.
4. Ballot Measures
Missouri voters approved several crucial ballot measures during this election cycle:
– Amendment 1: “Clean Missouri,” which aimed at changing various political ethics rules and redrawing legislation district lines.
– Amendment 2: Legalizing medical marijuana while imposing a four percent tax on sales.
– Proposition B: An incremental increase in the state minimum wage.
Teaching Approaches and Activities
When teaching students about the 2018 Missouri Election Results, it is essential to adopt an engaging and inclusive approach that promotes discussion and critical thinking.
1. Explain the key races: Start by outlining each of the significant races, including U.S Senate, U.S House, state legislature, and ballot measures.
2. Compare with past election results: Encourage students to analyze the 2018 results in comparison to previous years to identify trends and shifts in voter preferences.
3. Group discussion: Organize group discussions to explore how these results might impact various political issues, such as healthcare, education, social issues, and international relations.
4. Debate on specific topics: Facilitate debates between students on specific ballot measures or outcomes of particular races to evaluate and understand different viewpoints.
5. Role-play activity: Assign roles to students representing various politicians or journalists covering the election updates, facilitating a better understanding of political processes and political communication.
Conclusion
Teaching students about Missouri’s 2018 election results will help them appreciate the importance of voting while fostering a deeper understanding of democracies’ workings. Engaging activities and discussions can enhance their analytical skills, creating informed citizens who are ready to participate actively in shaping their nation’s future.
