Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: Democracy in America: Political Parties: Mobilizing Agents

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This unit examines the significance of political parties in American politics, highlighting their functions, differences, and influence on the public for political decision making. Offers video, readings, web resources, and activities.
Activity
Other

Guide to American Political Parties

For Students 9th - 10th
Complete directory of the political parties that are active in the United States. Links to each party's website are included along with a brief overview of each one with major players.
Website
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: Political Parties

For Students 9th - 10th
Brief overview of the political party system in the U.S. explaining the emergence and longevity of the Democratic and Republican Parties.
Activity
Constitutional Rights Foundation

Constitutional Rights Foundation: How Political Parties Began

For Students 9th - 10th
Activity in which students examine the history of political parties in America and evaluate the role they play and reasons they emerged. Questions for discussion and small group work to compare the late 1700s visions of Republicans and...
Website
Other

Political Parties in Japan: 1874 1998

For Students 9th - 10th
This site is a list of a number of political parties in Japan. It gives a history of each party and what they want to accomplish for their country. It tells how The Liberal Democratic Party was in power from 1955 until 1993 and what...
Article
Other

Development of Political Parties in Texas [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
Examines the history of political parties in Texas, and the different stages they went through as Texas evolved.
eBook
University of Texas at Austin

Texas Politics: Political Parties

For Students 9th - 10th
A textbook covering the political culture and history of Texas. It examines the two major political parties and their fortunes over time, how parties get formed and rise to prominence, how to participate in politics, and the future of...
Activity
Other

Copernicus Election Watch: History of the Parties

For Students 9th - 10th
This site has a great timeline that tracks the history of the Democratic, Republican, and some Independent Third Parties. Also some excellent links at the bottom of the page.
Activity
Other

Montana Ymca: The Role of Political Parties

For Students 9th - 10th
This citizenship tutorial defines parties, a way people with similar ideas can join with others to express their opinions.
Study Guide
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Ap Us History: Period 6: 1865 1898: Politics in the Gilded Age

For Students 9th - 10th
The study resource from Khan Academy provides an overview of Period 6: 1865-1898 in American History. The politics in the Gilded Age is discussed in this lesson. This resource is designed as a review for the AP US History Test.
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Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Us History: 1800 1848: Rise of Political Parties/ Era of Jefferson

For Students 9th - 10th
A quick quiz over the rise of political parties and the era of Jefferson.
Article
Backstory Radio

Back Story Radio: Grand Old Parties: A History of Partisanship

For Students 9th - 10th
BackStory Radio explores the history of partisanship and asks whether it is tearing us apart in this country or serving to keep us together. This episode has no podcast; it is a brief article on the topic and transcripts of the comments...
Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: Two Parties Emerge

For Students 5th - 8th
Although George Washingon denounced the creation of political parties, they came roaring into play in the election of 1796 in which John Adams, representing the Federalists, ran against Thomas Jefferson, who represented the...
Website
University of Groningen

American History: Outlines: Third Party and Independent Candidates

For Students 9th - 10th
Outline of the party system in the U.S. Describes the history and organization of the two party system and how it has been inlfuenced by third party and independent candidates.
Lesson Plan
Lin and Don Donn

Lin and Don Donn: u.s. History Lessons: Elections, Parties, Campaigns

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
This site provides suggestions for lesson plans and unit plans to teach about the U.S. system of elections, political parties, and campaigns.
Website
Digital History

Digital History: The Birth of Political Parties

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief look at the beginning of political parties in the new American nation. Find out the views of the two parties.
Activity
CNN

Cnn: Democratic Party History

For Students 9th - 10th
CNN provides a brief account of Democratic party history from the party's origins in the Democratic-Republican party to the present, including information on the era preceding the Civil War.
Handout
Texas State Historical Association

Texas State Historical Association: Political Parties

For Students 9th - 10th
Explains the evolution of political parties in Texas, from many parties in the nineteenth century, into the two parties that dominate Texas today.
Graphic
National Women’s History Museum

National Women's History Museum: Creating a Female Political Culture

For Students 9th - 10th
Creating a powerful political imagery was crucial to establishing a political presence in the American public consciousness and in bringing about the acceptance of voting rights for women.
Handout
Travel Document Systems

Tds: Nigeria: History

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the early history of Nigeria and the kingdoms that existed there. However, the majority of the article focuses on the problems Nigeria has faced since independence in establishing a democratic government. Information is from...
Activity
Other

A Brief History of American Major Parties

For Students 9th - 10th
A good, brief history of the two party system in the United States.
Handout
Ohio History Central

Ohio History Central: Populist Party

For Students 9th - 10th
The Populist Party was one of the more successful third parties, at least in state politics. Read about its platform on the national and state levels in the 1890s.
Study Guide
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: Ap Us History Period 6: 1865 1898 Politics in Gilded Age: Populist

For Students 9th - 10th
The study resource from Khan Academy provides an overview of Period 6: 1865-1898 in American History. The Populist political party was discussed in this lesson. This resource is designed as a review for the AP US History Test.
Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: Republican Philadelphia

For Students 9th - 10th
Philadelphia today leans to the Democratic ticket in most elections. This website, ushistory.org, is completely nonpolitical, but it offers resources for right-leaning visitors to feel right at home when visiting.