Demystify the intricate puzzle of electing a U.S. President! This engaging reading comprehension worksheet delves deep into the Electoral College, exploring its historical roots, contemporary debates, and its impact on the nomination process and campaign strategies.

Go beyond the cheers and rallies to:

• Unpack the System: Understand how electoral votes are distributed, why the popular vote doesn't always win, and the key role of swing states.
• Dive into History: Analyze the Founding Fathers' intentions and the ongoing discussions about fairness, representation, and potential reforms.
• Witness the Impact: See how the Electoral College shapes candidate strategies, party conventions, and even policy positions.
• Engage with Primary Sources: Analyze excerpts from Alexander Hamilton's Federalist Papers and delve into historical perspectives.
• Test Your Knowledge: Assess understanding with diverse questions, including multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-blank, and thought-provoking short answers.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the basic principles and functionalities of the Electoral College.
• Analyze the historical rationale and contemporary debates surrounding the system.
• Evaluate the impact of the Electoral College on the presidential nomination process and campaign strategies.
• Formulate informed opinions and arguments about potential reforms to the Electoral College.
• Develop critical thinking skills through analyzing primary sources and diverse perspectives.

Common Core State Standards Alignment:

• SS.7.C.3.A: Analyze cause-and-effect relationships in historical events.
• SS.7.C.4.A: Analyze the ways that different forms of media have been used to represent historical events.
• SS.7.C.6.A: Analyze the effectiveness of various forms of government.
• WHST.6-8.2.A: Analyze in detail how two or more texts address the same topic or theme, comparing and contrasting points of view.
• WHST.6-8.9.A: Draw evidence from specific parts of the text to support analysis and reflection.