Road to the Presidency Activity

Q: What are the main steps to becoming President of the United States?

The main steps to becoming President of the United States include meeting constitutional requirements, announcing candidacy, participating in primaries and caucuses, being nominated by a major party, campaigning nationwide, and winning the majority of Electoral College votes in the general election.

Q: What are the requirements to run for President?

To run for President of the United States, a candidate must be a natural-born U.S. citizen, at least 35 years old, and have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

Q: How can teachers help students understand the presidential election process?

Teachers can use interactive activities like creating storyboards, holding mock elections, and discussing each step of the process to help students grasp how presidential elections work in the U.S.

Q: What is a storyboard activity for learning about the presidency?

A storyboard activity involves students illustrating and summarizing each step to the presidency, helping them visually organize and remember the process from candidacy to election.

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Lesson Plan Overview

Template and Class Instructions

Lesson Plan Overview

There are many requirements and steps that are necessary for one to become the leader of the United States. Learning and being able to explain this process helps students understand the government of the United States, and how it is run. For this activity, students will create a storyboard that illustrates the requirements and steps to become President.

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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 storyboard depicting how one becomes the President of the United States.

Student Instructions:

Click “Start Assignment”.
Write a step in each heading.
Write a short summary of each step in the space below the illustration.
Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.

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Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-12

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

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Lesson Plan Overview

Copy Activity

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 storyboard depicting how one becomes the President of the United States.

Student Instructions:

Click “Start Assignment”.
Write a step in each heading.
Write a short summary of each step in the space below the illustration.
Create an illustration that represents each heading using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.

More options

Copy This Storyboard

Lesson Plan Reference

Grade Level 6-12

Difficulty Level 2 (Reinforcing / Developing)

Type of Assignment Individual or Partner

Copy Activity

How Tos about The Road to the Presidency

Engage students with a mock election in your classroom

Organizing a classroom election lets students experience the presidential process firsthand and deepens their understanding of the U.S. government.

Divide students into campaign teams

Assign students to groups representing candidates and campaign staff. This fosters collaboration and helps them practice teamwork while researching candidate platforms.

Guide students to develop campaign platforms

Have each team outline key issues, slogans, and goals for their candidate. Encourage creativity so students take ownership of their campaigns.

Host campaign speeches and debates

Allow teams to present speeches and participate in debates. This builds public speaking skills and helps students compare candidate ideas in a fun way.

Hold a secret ballot election and announce results

Let students vote privately, then tally and announce the winner. This simulates the real election process and reinforces civic engagement in your classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Road to the Presidency

What are the main steps to becoming President of the United States?

The main steps to becoming President of the United States include meeting constitutional requirements, announcing candidacy, participating in primaries and caucuses, being nominated by a major party, campaigning nationwide, and winning the majority of Electoral College votes in the general election.

What are the requirements to run for President?

To run for President of the United States, a candidate must be a natural-born U.S. citizen, at least 35 years old, and have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

How can teachers help students understand the presidential election process?

Teachers can use interactive activities like creating storyboards, holding mock elections, and discussing each step of the process to help students grasp how presidential elections work in the U.S.

What is a storyboard activity for learning about the presidency?

A storyboard activity involves students illustrating and summarizing each step to the presidency, helping them visually organize and remember the process from candidacy to election.

Why is it important for students to learn how someone becomes President?

Learning how someone becomes President helps students understand U.S. government functions, civic responsibility, and the significance of voting and leadership in a democracy.