OVERVIEW
This unit was designed to teach students about the process of presidential elections and the important qualities of presidential candidates.This unit builds democratic citizens as students will develop dispositions towards becoming an educated public, engaged participants in an election process, and advocating for candidates who elicit important qualities. Students will do so by participating in a mock election where they are responsible for determining qualities of a presidential candidate that are important to them. They will deliberate in groups to decide on three top qualities a candidate should have, and then create one presidential candidate within their group. Students will continue working with groups to create a campaign ad and tableau with which they will campaign for their candidate. During campaigns students will consider multiple perspectives in order to later make an informed decision as to whom will make the best candidate. Students will end the unit by discussing which candidate is best suited for the position and why. They will then vote in the mock election and reflect on the process
As defined by Walter C. Parker in his book, Social Studies in Elementary Education, dispositions are “habits or inclinations that summarize a person’s behavior and values” (2012, p. 110). Dispositions are traits that one routinely exhibits. This unit will address students civic dispositions by asking them to reflect on their own values in order to design and vote on a candidate whom exhibits civic dispositions that have meaning for them, such as being honest and reliable.
Students participate in deliberation and voting, two key components to becoming democratic citizens. Parker explains that “Deliberation informs voting.Voting should be seen as a culminating activity that comes after thinking about the issues and candidates” (2012, p. 95). In this unit, students will deliberate on qualities they want their candidate to possess, as well as about why they believe a certain candidate is fit for the position as president. Participating in real and mock elections allows students to learn and practice concepts that they will use throughout adulthood.
Citation:
Parker, W. C. (2012). Citizenship Education: Six Dimensions. In Social studies in elementary education (pp. 95, 110). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
As defined by Walter C. Parker in his book, Social Studies in Elementary Education, dispositions are “habits or inclinations that summarize a person’s behavior and values” (2012, p. 110). Dispositions are traits that one routinely exhibits. This unit will address students civic dispositions by asking them to reflect on their own values in order to design and vote on a candidate whom exhibits civic dispositions that have meaning for them, such as being honest and reliable.
Students participate in deliberation and voting, two key components to becoming democratic citizens. Parker explains that “Deliberation informs voting.Voting should be seen as a culminating activity that comes after thinking about the issues and candidates” (2012, p. 95). In this unit, students will deliberate on qualities they want their candidate to possess, as well as about why they believe a certain candidate is fit for the position as president. Participating in real and mock elections allows students to learn and practice concepts that they will use throughout adulthood.
Citation:
Parker, W. C. (2012). Citizenship Education: Six Dimensions. In Social studies in elementary education (pp. 95, 110). Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc.
Content Areas
- Government
- History
- Culture
Civic Skills Addressed:
- Voting
- Deliberation
- Multiple-Perspectives
Civic Dispositions
- Educated public
- Engaged participants
- Advocating
Essential Questions
- What qualities should a president possess?
- Why is it important for citizens to vote?
- What are the requirements for being a president?