How are elections really run and won? Learn about special interest groups, super PACs, and lobbyists with an engaging lesson about the caucus process. Young voters research specific interest groups and analyze their part in previous and upcoming elections.

Concepts

special interest groups, elections, the electoral process, american politics, political campaigns, lobbying, caucuses

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Use in an election year, or when discussing the roles of various interest groups in government
• Have your class follow an upcoming election through a specific lens, such as a lobbyist, constituent, or candidate

Classroom Considerations

• Lesson is based on the election process in Iowa, but many of the materials are still applicable for learners in other states
• The projects featured in some of the extension homework links are not available

Pros

• Comes with a 30 minute version of the lesson, as well as a 60-minute version
• Provides auxiliary materials for the lessons, including a slideshow presentation, worksheets, and additional activities

Cons

• None