C-SPAN
Debates
How do the presidential debates of 2016 compare to the debates from the 1980's? What about the 1960's? Evaluate a chosen candidate or issue from the 20th and 21st centuries with a lesson plan focused on political debates. Middle and...
Curated OER
The Great Debate
Students watch tapes of televised presidential debates dating from 1960. They analyze debates and participate in mock debates.
Curated OER
It's Up for Debate
In this instructional activity, students investigate the different platforms of each of the Presidential hopefuls for the 2000 election. Small groups each carefully research the platforms of an assigned candidate and then create a...
Curated OER
Suspect Sources at the Republican Debate
Students explore and analyze statements made during a televised presidential debate. In groups, they research and test the validity of the statements made by the presidential contenders. Students examine sources and draw conclusions on...
Curated OER
Asking the Questions and Questioning the Answers
What would you ask a presidential candidate if you had the chance? Bring politics to your language arts classroom with this lesson plan, in which young readers brainstorm questions they would have liked the presidential candidates to...
Curated OER
Weighing the War
Study opposing viewpoints with this lesson, which examines President Bush's September 2004 address at the United Nations. Middle schoolers study the text of the address, and then stage formal debates arguing for or against the reasons to...
Curated OER
Active Voice
Students identify the qualities that contribute to effective verbal and non-verbal communication. They use those qualities as criteria by which to judge an in-class political debate on education.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Refugees from the Caribbean: Cuban and Haitian “Boat People”
Should refugees fleeing poverty be allowed the same entrance into the United States as those fleeing persecution? High schoolers read about US foreign policy in the late 20th century regarding refugees from Cuba and Haiti, and engage in...
Curated OER
Superhero Science
Young scientist explore the various positions in the debate on stem cell research and then discuss these perspectives before formulating their own positions. They must research the topic and beliefs that others have. They will also look...
Curated OER
George Washington's Foreign Policy
Students compare George Washington's foreign policy to the policies of presidents who followed him. In this primary source analysis lesson plan, students compare Washington's Farewell Address to the Roosevelt Corollary, the Monroe...
Curated OER
Major Issues Facing America
Students continue to examine the issues of the 2004 presidential election. Using the internet, they discover where they stand on each issue and where each candidate stands on the issues as well. In groups, they participate in a...
Curated OER
Andrew Jackson and the Formation of Political Parties
Eighth graders explore the political election process. They identify how the system changed during the presidency of Andrew Jackson. Students use analogies and discussion, and answering questions to explore Jackson and his cabinet. ...
Curated OER
Was the Dred Scott Decision Judicial Activism?
Students debate the validity of 4 different foundations of judicial decision-making. They describe Lincoln and Douglas's adherence to any of 4 different foundations of judicial decision-making in their analysis of the Dred Scott decision
Curated OER
US Patriot Act: Security vs. Privacy
High schoolers use readings, worksheets and discussion to explore the ramifications of the US Patriot Act which was passed by Congress shortly after September 11th. They review Constitutional Amendments and consider how they relate to...
New York Times
New York Times: Campaign 2004: The Presidential Debates
Interactive web page that contains an a slideshows of the 2004 presidential debates with analysis, video of the debates, and transcripts.
Other
Commission on Presidential Debates: The 2000 Presidential Debates
This site contains transcripts of the three presidential debates held between Al Gore and George W. Bush. There is also a transcript of the vice-presidential debate held between Joseph Lieberman and Dick Cheney.
CNN
Cnn: Transcript: Who Could Best Prevent Another 9/11?
September 30, 2004, presidential debate is presented in an extremely interesting manner by CNN. The transcript is broken down by question with links to other questions and responses.
Curated OER
Washington Post: First Presidential Debate
Transcript, video, and analysis of the first Presidential debate between George W. Bush and John Kerry in 2004.
University of California
Regional Oral History Office: 1992 Presidential Election
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...
US Department of State
U.s. Dept. Of State: In Afghanistan, a Time to Debate and Decide
The 2009 presidential elections in Afghanistan were important to both the Afghanis as well as the United States and allied forces fighting in Afghanistan. (August 3, 2009)