Active learning ideas
US Democracy and Participation explores how the American people engage with their political system. This unit covers the mechanics of the Electoral College, the role of primary elections, and the influence of political parties and pressure groups. Students evaluate the health of US democracy, considering issues like voter suppression, the impact of 'Big Money' in campaigns, and the increasing ideological polarisation between Democrats and Republicans.
Activity 01
Give students a blank map and a set of 'swing state' polling data. They must work in campaign teams to allocate their 'candidate's' travel budget and advertising spend to reach 270 electoral votes, explaining their strategy to the class.
How does the Electoral College impact US presidential elections?
Activity 02
Assign each group a pressure group (e.g., NRA, ACLU, Sierra Club). They must find one legislative victory, one court case they influenced, and their total spending in the last election cycle to present a 'power profile.'
What role do pressure groups and PACs play in US politics?
Activity 03
Students brainstorm why third parties like the Libertarians or Greens fail to win seats. They then discuss with a partner whether the UK's 'multi-party' system is actually more democratic than the US two-party system.
Are the two main US political parties ideologically distinct?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
The popular vote winner always becomes President.
The Electoral College system means a candidate can win the popular vote but lose the presidency (e.g., 2000 and 2016). A 'maths-based' simulation of state-by-state results helps students see how 'winner-take-all' rules distort the national will.
US political parties are just like UK political parties.
US parties are much more decentralised and 'big tent' than UK parties, which have stronger central leadership. Using a 'party structure' comparison chart helps students understand that a US President cannot 'whip' their party in the same way a UK Prime Minister can.
Methods used in this brief
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An exploration of the origins, nature, and principles of the US Constitution. Students will assess the evolving relationship between the federal government and the states.
8 methodologies
US Congress and the Presidency
A detailed look at the legislative and executive branches of the US government. Students will evaluate the power of the President and the effectiveness of Congress.
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The US Supreme Court and Civil Rights
An investigation into the role of the US Supreme Court in interpreting the Constitution and protecting civil liberties. Students will examine landmark rulings and the appointment process.
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