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Mini-lesson: Midterm Elections (HS)

Lesson Plan

Students will learn about the midterm election, its role as a referendum on the presidency, and how a shift in party control impacts the legislative and executive branches. Page two of this Media Moment Mini-lesson covers horse race journalism, common during election season, and the limitations of this type of coverage. In the activity, students consider an article about a West Virginia Senate primary candidate and practice distinguishing substantive information about a candidate from horse race coverage.

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Teacher Resources

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

What Are Midterm Elections? HS Mini-Lesson Plan - Why Are Midterm Elections Important?
What Are Midterm Elections? HS Mini-Lesson Plan - What is Horse Race Journalism?
What Are Midterm Elections? HS Mini-Lesson Plan Activity

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