Electing the President: Caucuses and Primaries

 
Materials/Resources Required

Non-tech: butcher paper, colored pens and/or pencils; computer access to Internet and Google suite (Google docs)

Primary and Secondary Sources

United States Constitution, Article II, Section 1
Ben’s Guide to U.S. History (Grades 6-8)
Ben’s Guide to U.S. History (Grades 9-12)

Glossary

caucus: informal, local balloting often referred to as a “straw poll” to select delegates to a party nominating convention

primary: formal state balloting to select delegates to a party nominating convention
nominating convention: gathering of state party delegates that selects a political party’s presidential nominee

Electoral College: body of state delegates chosen through the process of national balloting and given the power to elect the president

Links

Elections teaching resources at TeacherVision.