election headquarters
Use these curated, non-partisan teaching resources to help students to learn about the local and federal election processes, understand the power of their vote, and become active participants in our constitutional democracy.
NEW* Students Power Elections
Created for students by students, this guide will help kids learn about voting and elections independently and find ways to engage if they are not eligible to vote.
Featured Resource: Voting Matters Activity
Your students may be too young to register to vote, but it’s never too early to learn about what it takes to get to the ballot! This activity is a great way to kick off the election season, and promote voter registration in the larger community. Students will learn about how registration and voting works in their state, and create a flyer to share with someone in their life.
iCivics Games
Put your students into the action with these election-focused civics games. Be sure to explore our Win the White House Family Guide to inspire election learning at home.
Cast Your Vote and Win the White House are also available on Nearpod!
NewsFeed Defenders
Win the White House
Cast Your Vote
Executive Command
Lesson Plans
Dive into our election curriculum with these print-and-go lesson plans that include simulations, vocabulary development, graphic organizers, and active participation opportunities.
Mini-Lesson: Vice President
Find out about the importance of the vice presidential candidate in a presidential election, and how this person is much more than a running mate. VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Popular v. President
Can the candidate who wins the majority of the popular votes miss out on being president? They can, and it's happened before. Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Campaigning: It's a Process
No one gets elected in a day. Well... they do! But there's a lot that has to happen before the voters cast their ballot. Campaigning is a whole process! VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Primaries, Parties, Caucuses & Conventions
Oh my! From primaries and caucuses to political parties and conventions, come face to face with the big events and mile markers of the electoral process and learn what a… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Voting: Will You Do It?
Voting isn't a requirement, but it is our responsibility and our right. And it's the most direct way that every citizen can influence government. Will you do it? Got a 1:1… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Mini-lesson: Gerrymandering (HS)
Students try their hand at a simplified districting exercise and learn about the common gerrymandering practices of packing and cracking districts. Students then explore the… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Mini-lesson: The Incumbent Advantage (HS)
Learn about the electoral advantage that favors incumbents and the benefits and drawbacks of reelecting members of Congress. Then, put students' news literacy skills to work… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Election Glossary
There's lots of vocabulary associated with elections, so give students this handy glossary to use as a reference. Whether it's election season or you're just covering… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Party Systems
Does every country have Republicans and Democrats? (Spoiler alert: No.) Use this mini-lesson to show your students that there are lots of different political party systems… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>The Presidential Agenda
For the winning candidate, campaign promises evolve into an official presidential agenda. And despite the doubting general public, 75% of agenda goals since Woodrow Wilson… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>The First 100 Days
Even presidents have to worry about making the grade! Discover the history behind the “First 100 Days” and its impact on the American presidency with this new lesson plan… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Election Results Tracker
Our Election Results Tracker activity helps students monitor the election results with a map and Electoral College vote counter. Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Candidate Report Card
Help your class apply their candidate evaluation skills with this election season activity. Students will select the issues and qualities they care about, then research… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Political Debate Guide
Use this activity to help your students view any political debate — local to national, historical to live broadcast. Preview candidates, issues, expectations, and details… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Voting Matters Activity
Your students may be too young to register to vote, but it’s never too early to learn about what it takes to get to the ballot! This activity is a great way to kick off the… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Got Ballot?
Covering everything from referendums to recalls, this lesson takes students to the voting booth and explains what is on a ballot. Students will discover how voters have the… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>One Big Party?
In One Big Party, students learn about the role of political parties in the United States and the influence parties have in our political system, including the role of third… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Candidate Evaluation
In this lesson, students evaluate hypothetical candidates by establishing and applying their own criteria for selecting public officials. Through a variety of activities,… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Voting Rights
Explore the history of voting rights in the United States through an interactive PowerPoint presentation highlighting landmark changes. Following the presentation and class… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Mock Election
In this three-day mock election simulation lesson, students explain the steps taken from party formation to national election. Harnessing skills gained from the Electoral… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>The Electoral Process
Take a peek into the electoral process with this lesson - from party primaries to the general election. Students will learn the distinctions between the popular vote and the… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>The Fourth Branch: You!
Young people may not feel like they are part of the government, but they are! In this lesson, students learn how citizens influence government and measure the impact of their… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>For The President, All In A Day's Work
Students learn the primary responsibilities of the president and how those duties connect to the powers the Constitution grants to the Executive Branch. Students also learn… VIEW LESSON PLAN >>Customizable Google Slide Decks
We've converted some of our most engaging election lessons into customizable Google Slide Decks — ideal for PearDeck or Google Classroom! Make your own copy to use it as is or customize it to meet your needs.
Infographics
Provide visually appealing, graphically concise, and substantive overviews of key concepts using iCivics’ infographics.
The Spectrum of State Election Laws
19th Amendment
Six Roles of the President
Running for President
Teaching Impeachment
Campaign Cash
Gerrymandering
The Poll Picture
Peaceful Transfer of Power
Rank Your Choice
Want full access to all of the iCivics resources? Simply register for a free account today!
Register Today
- Get access to our full and comprehensive civics curriculum for all of your instructional needs.
- Monitor student progress, manage classes, and assign games in one place with our single-sign solutions, including Google and Clever.
- Use our resources to help your students become informed, more curious, and more engaged in civic life.