Activity Overview
Creating a timeline of the major events relating to the election of 1800 is a great way for students to understand the sequence of events in history and place them within historical context. Students should identify key moments in the political process and events surrounding the election itself (for instance, the ratification of the 12th amendment). Students will be able to identify and explain the major events that defined the election of 1800, providing a solid foundation of historical context for the election.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Extended Activity
Have students create a timeline of events leading to another electoral result, whether it be in national, state, or local politics. This will allow students to gain better context for how events and ideas can shape and change an election. Furthermore, it will allow for historical comparisons between their selected election and the election of 1800.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline that illustrates the major events of the election of 1800.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add additional cells as necessary.
- In the title of each cell, note the major events leading up to and after the election of 1800.
- In each description box, describe the event.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
Activity Overview
Creating a timeline of the major events relating to the election of 1800 is a great way for students to understand the sequence of events in history and place them within historical context. Students should identify key moments in the political process and events surrounding the election itself (for instance, the ratification of the 12th amendment). Students will be able to identify and explain the major events that defined the election of 1800, providing a solid foundation of historical context for the election.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options and adjust the instructions accordingly.
Extended Activity
Have students create a timeline of events leading to another electoral result, whether it be in national, state, or local politics. This will allow students to gain better context for how events and ideas can shape and change an election. Furthermore, it will allow for historical comparisons between their selected election and the election of 1800.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline that illustrates the major events of the election of 1800.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Add additional cells as necessary.
- In the title of each cell, note the major events leading up to and after the election of 1800.
- In each description box, describe the event.
- Create an illustration using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 33 Points | Emerging 25 Points | Beginning 17 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events and Dates | The events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. The dates provided are correct. | Most of the events chosen for the timeline are significant and important to the overall understanding of the time period. Most of the dates provided are correct. | Some of the events chosen for the timeline are significant. There may be missing events, or events that are irrelevant. Too many dates may be incorrect. |
| Explanations/Descriptions | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are accurate and provide insight into the significance of the events. | The explanations or descriptions provided for each event are mostly accurate and attempt to provide insight into the significance of the events. | There are several glaring inaccuracies in the explanations or descriptions of the events. There may be little or no insight int the significance of the events, or the information provided may be too limited or missing. |
| English Conventions | There are 0-2 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 3-4 mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. | There are 5 or more mistakes in spelling, grammar, and mechanics. |
How Tos about Major Events of the Election of 1800
Incorporate primary sources into your Election of 1800 timeline activity for deeper student engagement
Using primary sources like letters, newspaper clippings, or political cartoons helps students understand history firsthand. Including them in your timeline makes events more vivid and relatable.
Select age-appropriate primary sources for your class
Choose materials that match your students' reading levels and backgrounds. Look for short excerpts, images, or simplified versions of original documents to keep learning accessible.
Guide students in analyzing each primary source
Encourage students to ask questions about the document’s purpose, audience, and message. This builds critical thinking and helps them connect the source to the timeline event.
Integrate primary source findings into timeline entries
Have students summarize what they learned from each source in their timeline descriptions. This reinforces understanding and shows how historical evidence supports their work.
Facilitate a class discussion to compare perspectives
Host a brief discussion where students share their primary source discoveries. Comparing findings highlights different viewpoints and deepens their grasp of the election’s complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Major Events of the Election of 1800
What were the major events of the election of 1800?
The major events of the election of 1800 include the intense rivalry between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, the tie in the Electoral College between Jefferson and Aaron Burr, the decision sent to the House of Representatives, and the eventual passage of the 12th Amendment to prevent future electoral deadlocks.
How can students create a timeline for the election of 1800?
Students can create a timeline by identifying key events before, during, and after the election, adding titles and descriptions for each event, and illustrating with relevant images or scenes. This can be done digitally or as a timeline poster for presentations or gallery walks.
Why is the election of 1800 considered a turning point in U.S. history?
The election of 1800 is considered a turning point because it marked the first peaceful transfer of power between political parties in the United States, demonstrating the strength and stability of the young nation’s democratic system.
What is the significance of the 12th Amendment in relation to the election of 1800?
The 12th Amendment was ratified in response to the electoral tie in 1800. It changed how presidents and vice presidents are elected, requiring separate ballots for each office to prevent future deadlocks like the one between Jefferson and Burr.
What are some alternative ways to teach about the election of 1800 besides a timeline?
Besides timelines, teachers can assign students to create timeline posters for presentations, organize gallery walks, or have students compare the election of 1800 to other historical elections to encourage deeper analysis and engagement.
More Storyboard That Activities
Election of 1800: Jefferson vs. Adams
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