Iowa Caucus History - Secretary of State Caucus 101

Main Objective

Students will be able to explain how Iowa became the first in the nation for the caucuses/primaries. Students will debate/defend why or why not Iowa should maintain its “first in the nation” status.

Additional Objectives

be able to define a caucus.
utilize speaking and debate skills.
analyze news articles as evidence.
evaluate their own reasons why/why not Iowa should maintain its “first in the nation” status.

90

Minute Curriculum

Activities

An Opener on the 1968 Democratic Convention
A Focus on the History of the Iowa Caucuses
Read and Take Note: A Focus on the Presidential Nomination Process
Debate Preparation: Think-Pair-Share ‘Should Iowa Be First? Why or Why Not?’
It’s Time to Discuss Iowa’s First-In-The-Nation-Status
Evidence Analysis

HW: Each student should find their own news article about Iowa’s first-in-the-nation status for caucuses. Students will briefly present articles to the class the next day. (Due Next Class)

Materials

Download the 90-Minute Lesson Plan Here
1968 Democratic Convention Video Clip
- Optional: Democratic Convention Article
History of Iowa Caucuses Video Clip
Video Question Guide
Presidential Nomination Process Reading and Flowchart (1 copy/student)
One Notecard for Each Student
Four News Articles: Divided Between Students

60

Minute Curriculum

Activities

A Focus on the History of the Iowa Caucuses
Read and Take Note: A Focus on the Presidential Nomination Process
Debate Preparation: Think-Pair-Share ‘Should Iowa Be First? Why or Why Not?’
It’s Time to Discuss Iowa’s First-In-The-Nation-Status
Evidence Analysis

HW: Each student should find their own news article about Iowa’s first-in-the-nation status for caucuses. Students will briefly present articles to the class the next day. (Due Next Class)

Materials

Download the 60-Minute Lesson Plan Here
Presidential Nomination Process Reading and Flowchart (1 copy/student)
One Notecard for Each Student
Four News Articles: Divided Between Students
Written Analysis Form
Evidence Form for Debate

30

Minute Curriculum

Activities

Debate Preparation: Think-Pair-Share ‘Should Iowa Be First? Why or Why Not?’
It’s Time to Discuss Iowa’s First-In-The-Nation-Status
Evidence Analysis w/ Debate

HW: Each student should find their own news article about Iowa’s first-in-the-nation status for caucuses. Students will briefly present articles to the class the next day. (Due Next Class)

Materials

Download the 30-Minute Lesson Plan Here
One Notecard for Each Student
Four News Articles: Divided Between Students
Written Analysis Form
Evidence Form for Debate

Standards

Iowa Core: SS 9-12. PSCL.1: Understand the rights and responsibilities of each citizen and demonstrate the values of lifelong civic action.
Iowa Core: SS.9-12.PSCL.4: Understand the differences among the complex levels of local, state and national government and their inherent, expressed, and implied powers.
Iowa Core: SS 9-12. PSCL.5: Understand strategies for effective political action that impact local, state, and national governance.
Iowa Core: SS 9-12. PSCL.6: Understand how law and public policy are established at the local, state, and national levels of government.
Iowa Core: SS.6-8.H.2: Understand how and why people create, maintain or change systems of power, authority, and governance.
Iowa Core: SS.9-12.H.4: Understand the role of individuals and groups within a society as promoters of change or the status quo.
Iowa Core SS.9-12.H.8: Understand cause and effect relationships and other historical thinking skills in order to interpret events and issues.