Activity Overview
The Electoral College is a confusing concept for students to understand. From how it was formed to how it plays a part in elections, students will complete a 5 Ws analysis of the Electoral College, answering the questions Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Their answers should be researched, and this activity is a great way for students to review what they already have learned.
Possible Questions
- Who are the members of the Electoral College?
- Who came up with the idea of the Electoral College?
- Who might oppose the Electoral College?
- Who might support the Electoral College?
- What is the main role of the Electoral College?
- What does the Electoral College require candidates to do during their campaign?
- What are the problems of the Electoral College?
- What are the benefits of the Electoral College?
- When did the Electoral College begin in the U.S?
- When has the Electoral College been controversial?
- When did the Electoral College not choose the candidate with the most votes?
- When have the Electoral College results been questioned?
- When has the Electoral College been altered?
- In which states is the Electoral College most significant?
- In which states is the Electoral College least significant?
- Where else in the world uses a similar system of an Electoral College?
- Why is the Electoral College chosen over the popular vote?
- Why might certain individuals oppose the Electoral College?
- Why do certain states like Maine have unique rules about the Electoral College?
- Why is the Electoral College a controversial system in the US?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 5W analysis of the Electoral College: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. | The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate. | The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
Activity Overview
The Electoral College is a confusing concept for students to understand. From how it was formed to how it plays a part in elections, students will complete a 5 Ws analysis of the Electoral College, answering the questions Who, What, When, Where, and Why. Their answers should be researched, and this activity is a great way for students to review what they already have learned.
Possible Questions
- Who are the members of the Electoral College?
- Who came up with the idea of the Electoral College?
- Who might oppose the Electoral College?
- Who might support the Electoral College?
- What is the main role of the Electoral College?
- What does the Electoral College require candidates to do during their campaign?
- What are the problems of the Electoral College?
- What are the benefits of the Electoral College?
- When did the Electoral College begin in the U.S?
- When has the Electoral College been controversial?
- When did the Electoral College not choose the candidate with the most votes?
- When have the Electoral College results been questioned?
- When has the Electoral College been altered?
- In which states is the Electoral College most significant?
- In which states is the Electoral College least significant?
- Where else in the world uses a similar system of an Electoral College?
- Why is the Electoral College chosen over the popular vote?
- Why might certain individuals oppose the Electoral College?
- Why do certain states like Maine have unique rules about the Electoral College?
- Why is the Electoral College a controversial system in the US?
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create a 5W analysis of the Electoral College: Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the title box for each cell, type Who, What, When, Where and Why.
- In the descriptions, answer the question.
- Create an image for each cell with appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 5 Points | Emerging 3 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explanation | The student clearly, thoroughly, accurately chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. | The student chooses and answers the who, what, where, when, and why questions. Some of the information is clear, thorough, and accurate. | The who, what, where, when, and why questions and answers are incomplete, confusing, or inaccurate. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the written information using appropriate scenes, characters and items. | The illustrations relate to the written information, but are difficult to understand. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the written information. |
| Evidence of Effort | Work is well written and carefully thought out. | Work shows some evidence of effort. | Work shows little evidence of any effort. |
| Conventions | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are somewhat correct. | Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are mostly incorrect. |
How Tos about The 5 Ws of the U.S. Electoral College
How to Facilitate a Classroom Debate on the Electoral College
Engage students in a lively debate about the Electoral College to deepen understanding and critical thinking. Debates help students consider multiple viewpoints and practice respectful discourse.
Set clear debate rules and roles
Establish guidelines for respectful discussion and assign students to pro, con, and moderator roles. Clear expectations keep the debate focused and fair.
Provide research time on Electoral College arguments
Allow students time to gather facts supporting their assigned position. Encouraging research builds confidence and ensures informed participation.
Structure the debate with timed rounds
Organize the debate into opening statements, rebuttals, and closing arguments with specific time limits. Structured rounds keep the activity organized and engaging.
Debrief and reflect as a class after the debate
Lead a class discussion to reflect on key points, student experiences, and new understandings. Reflection helps solidify learning and encourages respectful dialogue.
Frequently Asked Questions about The 5 Ws of the U.S. Electoral College
What is the main role of the U.S. Electoral College?
The main role of the U.S. Electoral College is to formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States. Each state has a set number of electors, and a candidate must win a majority to become President.
Who are the members of the Electoral College and how are they chosen?
Members of the Electoral College are called electors. They are typically chosen by political parties in each state, often as party loyalists or community leaders, and are appointed based on the state's popular vote in the presidential election.
Why was the Electoral College system chosen instead of a popular vote?
The Electoral College was chosen by the Founding Fathers to balance power between large and small states and to prevent direct election by popular vote, hoping to ensure broad national support and avoid regional dominance.
What are some problems and benefits of the Electoral College?
Problems include the possibility of a candidate winning without the popular vote and unequal influence among states. Benefits are that it encourages candidates to campaign nationwide and protects the influence of smaller states.
When has the Electoral College system been controversial or challenged in U.S. history?
The Electoral College has been controversial in elections where the winner lost the popular vote, like in 2000 and 2016. It has also faced challenges and debates over fairness and calls for reform throughout U.S. history.
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