How the Electoral College Works
Learning Objective
I can explain how the Electoral College works in U.S. presidential elections.
Lesson Flow
Watch Video
How Do We REALLY Elect The President? | Civics Made Easy
PBS
Guided Notes
Key concepts students will learn:
- •
Each state's number of electors is equal to its total number of members of Congress, which is the sum of its representatives in the House and its Senators.
- •
If no presidential candidate wins a majority of electoral votes, the House of Representatives chooses the president, with each state casting one vote, and the Senate chooses the vice president.
- •
The Electoral College was created at the Constitutional Convention as a compromise between having Congress choose the president, state legislatures choose the president or having a national popular vote.
Practice
3 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer
Exit Ticket
“Describe the four steps of how the Electoral College works today, as explained in the video.”
Teacher Guide
Get the complete package:
- Answer keys for all questions
- Differentiation strategies
- Extension activities
- Printable student handouts
