This site was last updated 9.16.24
Election Mechanics
Read
Grades K-5
Branches of government
Contains a brief description of each branch of government in the “Learning Adventures” section and then has a game to reinforce the concepts introduced to the students.
Electoral Processes
Voter Turnout
Kids Voting USA—Sample Activities
Grade 6-12
From CPALMS (Florida State University). Set of self paced online tutorials on various civics topics with embedded resources and checks for understanding.
Branches of Government
Explore Voting & Elections in the United States of America: Branches of Government
Brief synopsis of each branch’s role, and how their constitutional design guarantees a separation of powers
Conventions
A short article discussing the role of national conventions and how they are the next step after primaries and caucuses in the election process
Electoral College
The Electoral College, explained
A short reading describing what the Electoral College is, how it works, and some general arguments for and against it.
Describes the process from election day to inauguration day
Gerrymandering:
An article explaining what it is, how it works, how both parties have historically benefitted from the process, and how it hurts voters
Official Platforms: 2024
The official party platforms for both major parties; each outlines major policy initiatives and goals
Political Conventions
Videos regarding political conventions, their purpose as well as the significance of various conventions throughout history. Better resource for upper elementary/middle school grades.
Primaries:
Discusses the differences between open and closed primaries, and which states have which system
Similar to the above, but also discusses and defines caucuses
Full calendar of all primaries and caucuses by state
PACs:
Two articles; the first covers the role of SuperPACS in the 2024 election (with references to Citizens United); the second explains the difference between PACs and SuperPACS, and how they impact political campaigns
Polling Resources:
Two excellent websites for tracking the current state of the race; lists up-to-date polling data – searchable by state and national polls
Swing States:
ShareAmerica (2024)
Short articles discussing how swing states impact elections, and how the specific states in question can change over time
Turnout:
The unusual turnout dynamic that could decide the 2024 election
Article discussing how the variability in turnout is impacting campaign strategy for both major parties this cycle, and how this compares to historical precedent (older - from when Biden was still in the race)
Two-Party System and Factions
Why Does the US Have a Two‑Party System?
Historical context for why America has a two-party system, and why it is largely unique to this country
As Partisan Hostility Grows, Signs of Frustration With the Two-Party System
Shows evidence of factionalism and growing partisanship within each party and in the population overall
Voter Registration
Connecticut Voter Registration Information
Details CT voter registration process; includes FAQ
Voter Registration Rules by State
Searchable website to see how voter registration requirements differ by state
Voting Rights, Fraud, and Suppression:
Lists and discusses relevant laws and constitutional Amendments concerning voting rights; provides basic definitions/examples of voter fraud and voter suppression