Lesson 5: Voting and Voter Behavior
Duration of Days: 1
Lesson Objective
Students will be able to analyze the factors that influence voter turnout and voting decisions in the United States.
Who votes in the United States, and what factors influence their choices?
Voter turnout, demographics, political efficacy, rational choice voting, party identification
Civics and Government standards related to voting and political participation.
Understanding voter behavior and the factors influencing elections can provide context for social studies passages on the SAT.
This lesson shifts focus to the individual voter and the dynamics of elections. The purpose is to analyze the factors influencing voting. (DOK Level 3: Analyze)
Analyze voter turnout statistics by age, race, and education level. Discuss current events related to voter registration and access.
Students might think that all eligible citizens vote or that individual votes don't matter.
Support: Provide data charts on voter turnout and guide students in identifying trends.
Challenge: Have students research and present on a specific theory of voter behavior.
Students will write a short essay explaining at least three factors that influence voter turnout or voting decisions.
Whiteboard or projector, markers, data on voter turnout, articles or infographics on voter demographics.