Activity
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Nixon Kennedy Debate

For Students 3rd - 8th
Although Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy weren't the first presidential candidates to use the media to reach the public, their debates showed most clearly how television could influence the voting public.
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: Analyzing Gubernatorial Debates: The 2010 Election

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This technology-based lesson encourages active engagement in the state electoral process. Students collaborate on a wiki designed to aid in analyzing candidates' responses in a gubernatorial debate. Pre-debate and post-debate activties...
Article
CNN

Cnn: Truth Was an Occasional Casualty in Sunday's Debate

For Students 9th - 10th
CNN journalist takes a close look at the debate claims of each candidate during the Clinton vs. Dole debates.
Article
CNN

Cnn: Perot Sues to Stop Presidential Debates

For Students 9th - 10th
1996 article related to lawsuit filed by candidate Ross Perot, stating that debate rules were violated when he was barred from two debates.
Unit Plan
Other

Student News Daily: 2016 Presidential Election

For Students 9th - 10th
A comprehensive resource covering the presidential election of 2016. Enrich study with activities, videos, worksheets, etc. Topics range from platforms, candidates, conventions and debates.
Primary
CNN

Cnn: Presidential Debates Sights & Sounds

For Students 9th - 10th
Comprehensive site complete with audio and video of the final debate as well as a complete transcript, photographs, and candidates' views on a variety of issues.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs Teachers: The Presidential Debates (Lesson Plan)

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
A lesson activity that has students investigating media coverage of presidential debates and discussing how viewers are influenced by things other than the issues being debated. Students will also explore techniques that can help viewers...
Interactive
iCivics

I Civics: Games: Cast Your Vote

For Students 3rd - 8th
This resource is an interactive educational game that places the players in control of all three branches of government to test their abilities to turn issues of concern into full-fledged laws. In the debate, choose the questions to help...
Primary
PBS

Pbs Online News Hour: Open Season

For Students 9th - 10th
This Online NewsHour forum features a law professor and a political scientist debating the value of open primaries in the states.
Interactive
Other

Nicky Case: To Build a Better Ballot

For Students 9th - 10th
Distrust in democracy has been growing in America over the past few generations. There are many ways to help regain trust and Nicky Case analyzes one of those ways - choosing an alternative voting system. By viewing computer simulations...
Primary
CNN

Cnn: Sights and Sounds Gallery the Main Event

For Students 9th - 10th
Audio and video coverage of the reigning champion Bill Clinton and challenger Bob Dole during presidential debates. Comprehensive site with candidates' views on many issues as well as a full debate transcript.
Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: The Election of 1960

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about the campaign and election of 1960 in which the Democratic candidate, Senator John F. Kennedy, ran against the Repbulican candidate, Vice-President Richard M. Nixon. Find out about the issues, the famous debates, and Kennedy's...
Article
CNN

Cnn: No Fireworks, No Flames

For Students 9th - 10th
CNN coorespondent Morris Burrett critiques the debate outcome between Clinton and Bush and also analyzes comments from both candidates.
Website
University of California

Regional Oral History Office: 1992 Presidential Election

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief overview of the presidential election of 1992 which included a strong third party candidate, H. Ross Perot. See what the issues were and find out why an incumbent was defeated. Included is a video clip of one of the presidential...
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: Today in History: April 23: The Little Giant

For Students 9th - 10th
Contains a short biography on U.S. congressman, senator, and presidential candidate Stephen A. Douglas.
Article
Other

Voice of America: Election of 1928: Americans Are Presented With a Clear Choice

For Students 6th - 8th
Read a transcript from Voice of America's Making of a Nation series dealing with the election of 1928 between Herbert Hoover and Al Smith. You will read about the issues in the election and find that many national issues span time and...
Lesson Plan
PBS

Pbs News Hour Extra: Voters to Choose Between Economy and Environment

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Although this lesson plan deals with the a California vote for 2010 Elections, the subject matter will need to be addressed time and time again: economy vs. environment. Green energy is more expensive. Many companies would have to go out...
Lesson Plan
Alabama Learning Exchange

Alex: Presidential Election Partners

For Teachers 9th - 10th
As a presidential election approaches, have students recruit an adult "election partner" to discuss and debate candidate selection and important issues related to the campaign. Becoming an active participant in the civic process takes...
Primary
The History Place

The History Place: Abraham Lincoln: "House Divided" Speech

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from The History Place provides Abraham Lincoln's famous speach given at the close of the republican state convention - "A House Divided". It is the full text of the speech.
Handout
Other

Famous Illinoisians With Civil War Ties: Stephen Douglas

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides biographical facts about Stephen Arnold Douglas in bulleted list format.