Original PromptI need a whole lesson plan to teach my 12th grade mild/mod sped students about the electoral college. I need them to be able to "evaluate the function of the electoral college".
This resource provides a comprehensive overview of the Electoral College, which is the formal system used to elect the President and Vice President of the United States. It begins by defining what the Electoral College is and dispelling common misconceptions, such as it being a physical college. The document details how electoral votes are calculated, highlighting the formula involving the number of House Representatives plus two Senators for each state, totaling 538 electors. It explains the importance of 270 votes as the minimum required to win the presidency, and outlines the 'winner-take-all' rule that applies in most states. Furthermore, it discusses the arguments in favor of the Electoral College, like protecting the interests of smaller states and promoting national unity, as well as common criticisms, such as the possibility of a candidate winning the popular vote but losing the election. The resource also features class activities and discussions to engage learners in analyzing and reflecting on the fairness and functionality of the system.