Have students create a character map to identify, and examine each candidate that participated in the election of 1800. Students will be able to identify and explain who each candidate was, including their party affiliation, history, and how they fared in the election. Students will build off of these basic characterizations to explore more in-depth content later on.
Extended Activity
Have students create a character map of another presidential election. Students should include the same topics, including party affiliation, ideas, etc. This will allow students and teachers alike to compare with the election of 1800, and demonstrate its particular significance. And if students want to go more in depth on a particular candidate, they can make biography posters!
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies each candidate in the Election of 1800 and their ideologies.
Engage students actively by turning historical analysis into a lively debate. Debates encourage critical thinking and help students practice articulating different perspectives from the election era.
Assign each student or group a candidate from the Election of 1800. Provide background info—party, beliefs, key issues—to help them accurately represent their figure in the debate.
Craft questions focusing on major topics like states’ rights, foreign policy, or leadership style. Prompt students to think from their candidate’s perspective, deepening understanding of political ideologies.
Outline expectations for respectful discourse. Structure the debate with opening statements, rebuttals, and closing remarks so all voices are heard. Consistent routines make students feel confident and safe.
Lead a class discussion after the debate. Encourage students to compare historical issues with modern elections and reflect on the skills they practiced. This deepens learning and personal connection.
A character map activity for the Election of 1800 helps students identify each candidate, their party affiliation, background, and how they performed in the election. It encourages analysis and comparison among key figures like Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and others.
Start by having students research each candidate—including their political party, major beliefs, background, and election results. A visual character map or storyboard can help students organize and present this information clearly.
The main candidates were Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, John Adams, Charles Pinckney, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. Each played a unique role and represented different political ideologies of the era.
Try creating character maps, assigning biography posters, or comparing candidates from different elections. These activities foster engagement and deepen understanding of historical context and significance.
The Election of 1800 is significant because it marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in the U.S., setting an important democratic precedent and highlighting evolving party dynamics.