Last updated: October 7, 2019
Lesson Plan
Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of The United States

- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Literacy and Language Arts,Social Studies
- Lesson Duration:
- 90 Minutes
- Common Core Standards:
- 6-8.RH.4
- State Standards:
- C.1.4.2 Examine responsibilities and powers of government officials at various levels and branches of local and state government.
- Thinking Skills:
- Understanding: Understand the main idea of material heard, viewed, or read. Interpret or summarize the ideas in own words. Applying: Apply an abstract idea in a concrete situation to solve a problem or relate it to a prior experience. Analyzing: Break down a concept or idea into parts and show the relationships among the parts. Creating: Bring together parts (elements, compounds) of knowledge to form a whole and build relationships for NEW situations. Evaluating: Make informed judgements about the value of ideas or materials. Use standards and criteria to support opinions and views.
Essential Question
How can you become President of this country?
Objective
Identify the requirements for becoming an American President
Background
The Presidency is an important part of our governmental structure, and the position should be filled by a citizen with the best interests of the entire country at the center of their decision making.
Preparation
Use attached KWL Chart
Have copies of "Duck for President" by Doreen Cronin on hand for students in lower grades.
Materials
Overview and activity ideas to support Duck for President
Lesson Hook/Preview
What kind of person would you want to be responsible for representing you and your interests?
Procedure
Organize using the KWL chart
Vocabulary
President
Election
Naturalized
Native
Democracy
Electoral College
Representative
Assessment Materials
Class-wide ElectionConduct a mock election at your level, with each student/ candidate articulating how they satisfy the requirements for running in the election and why they think they are the best candidate to take on the Presidency.
Enrichment Activities
Invite and elected official from your town (Mayor, Sheriff, Justice of the Peace, State Representative, etc) to speak to your class about the election process, motivations to pursue politics and Q&A.
Additional Resources
https://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/elections/requirements-for-president.html
https://www.usa.gov/election