Electing a President Station Activity
A station based activity to showcase the steps of a US presidential election.
Objectives:
I will…
- understand the steps to electing a president.
- describe the differences between open and closed primaries and their significance in the election process.
- explore the role and function of caucuses.
- compare the processes and purposes of party conventions.
- analyze the function and impact of the Electoral College.
Directions: Each station includes some activity or analysis questions to complete. Use this handout to record your answers, additional notes, and ideas.
Station 1: Open and Closed Primaries
In your own words, write a definition for the following vocabulary.
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Term |
In my own words… |
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Open Primary |
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Closed Primary |
List the pros and cons of both open and closed primaries in the table below.
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Primary |
Pros |
Cons |
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Open Primary |
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Closed Primary |
Additional Notes:
Remember to vote!
After researching, discuss whether you think states should stop having closed primaries and, if so, what would be an alternative. After your group discussion, cast your ballot.
Station 2: Differences Between Primaries and Caucuses
Essential Vocabulary
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Caucus |
Participants meet at a designated local venue to determine the allocation of delegates. The voting procedures for caucuses vary across political parties and states; however, they generally involve more public and participatory elements, including deliberations and discussions among attendees. These discussions can take place before, during, or after the voting process. Additionally, it is common for caucuses to involve multiple rounds of voting. |
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Primary |
Political parties conduct preliminary elections in which registered voters choose a party’s candidate for the general election. Primaries can be open or closed, depending on whether registered independents and members of other parties are allowed to participate. (If they are allowed to participate, the primary is open; if they are not allowed to participate, the primary is closed.) The purpose of primary elections is to select a nominee who will represent the party in the upcoming general election. |
Analysis Questions
- Look at the list of key steps. How does the caucus process differ from a primary voting process?
- Analyze the dynamics of group persuasion and negotiation among caucus participants. How do individuals try to sway others to their candidate’s side?
Additional Notes:
Station 3: Party Conventions
Fill out the Frayer model for a party convention including a definition, examples, purpose, and processes.
Analysis Questions
- How do the processes support the purpose of the convention?
- In the examples you found, how do different parties organize their conventions?
- What roles do contemporary political conventions play today considering that the primary elections have usually decided the nominees in advance?
- How do the media influence party conventions, and what impact does this have on public perception and party messaging?
Additional Notes:
Station 4: Electoral College
Analysis Questions
- What is the Electoral College?
- Why was the Electoral College created?
- How does the Electoral College work?
- What role does it play in our constitutional system?
Additional Notes: