What is the Electoral College? | Election Activities

Activity Overview

The Electoral College is a confusing concept for students to understand. From how it was formed to how it plays a part in elections, students will complete a 5 Ws analysis of the Electoral College, answering the questions Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Their answers should be researched, and this activity is a great way for students to review what they already have learned.

Possible Questions

Who are the members of the Electoral College?
Who came up with the idea of the Electoral College?
Who might oppose the Electoral College?
Who might support the Electoral College?

What is the main role of the Electoral College?
What does the Electoral College require candidates to do during their campaign?
What are the problems of the Electoral College?
What are the benefits of the Electoral College?

When did the Electoral College begin in the U.S?
When has the Electoral College been controversial?
When did the Electoral College not choose the candidate with the most votes?
When have the Electoral College results been questioned?
When has the Electoral College been altered?

In which states is the Electoral College most significant?
In which states is the Electoral College least significant?
Where else in the world uses a similar system of an Electoral College?

Why is the Electoral College chosen over the popular vote?
Why might certain individuals oppose the Electoral College?
Why do certain states like Maine have unique rules about the Electoral College?
Why is the Electoral College a controversial system in the US?

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Template and Class Instructions

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Due Date:

Objective: Create a 5W analysis of the Electoral College: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.

Student Instructions:

Click "Start Assignment".
In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
In the descriptions, answer the question.
Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.

Requirements:

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 9-10

Difficulty Level 3 (Developing to Mastery)

Type of Assignment Individual

Type of Activity: 5 Ws of Social Studies and History

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Rubric

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5 Ws Rubric

Rubric that can be used with any 5 Ws activity.

	Proficient 5 Points	Emerging 3 Points	Beginning 1 Points
Explanation	The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions.	The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate.	The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate.
Illustrations	The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items.	The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand.	The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information.
Evidence of Effort	Work is well written and carefully thought out.	Work shows some evidence of effort.	Work shows little evidence of any effort.
Conventions	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct.	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct.	Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect.