×
<< BACK TO THE TEACH HUB

Campaigning: It's a Process

Lesson Plan

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. In this lesson, students will learn how political campaigns work and all the steps a candidate has to take to get to election day. This lesson, including a spotlight on campaign contributions and the FEC, along with the practice activities will give your students a glimpse behind the scenes of a campaign.

Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!

Love this lesson? Explore all of our free election curriculum and teaching resources at our Election Headquarters. 

Teacher Resources

Get access to lesson plans, teacher guides, student handouts, and other teaching materials.

Campaigning: It's a Process - How Political Campaigns Work Lesson Plan - 1
Campaigning: It's a Process - How Political Campaigns Work Lesson Plan - 2
Campaigning: It's a Process - How Political Campaigns Work Lesson Plan - 3

Related Resources

  • Lesson Plan

    Campaign Cash (Infographic)

    Every election, candidates spend A LOT of money on their campaign. Do you know where the candidates get that money and what they spend it on?
    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, students assess political candidates based on their qualifications, experience, campaign speeches and campaign materials.Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
    View kami
  • 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 candidates running for the office of your choice.Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
    View kami
  • Game

    Cast Your Vote

    Election Day is coming, are you prepared to vote?
    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 elections in your curriculum, this glossary will help. Please note: This is not a lesson plan. It's a glossary that can support any of our lessons or games in your classroom.Love this lesson? Explore all of our free election curriculum and teaching resources at our Election Headquarters. 
    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 versions of this lesson's materials below!
    View kami
  • 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 opportunity to initiate change in state and local government. Got a 1:1 classroom? Download fillable PDF versions of this lesson's materials below!
    View kami
  • Lesson Plan

    Midterm Math (Infographic)

    How many reasons are there to care about the midterms? Thousands! Use this printable infographic to show your students the impact that the 2022 midterm elections have on the legislative and executive branches.iCivics en español! A version of this infographic is available in Spanish along with a Spanish Teacher’s Guide.
    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 as they learn what distinguishes an opinion piece, op-ed, or commentary from traditional news.
    View kami
  • Lesson Plan

    Mock Election

    In this three-day mock election role-play lesson, students explain the steps taken from party formation to national election. Harnessing skills gained from the Electoral Process lesson, students will act out the campaigning and voting process by simulating a real election in their own classroom.Love this lesson? Explore all of our free election curriculum and teaching resources at our Election Headquarters. 
    View kami

See how it all fits together!

View Scope and Sequence