Difference Between Caucus and Primary - Caucus 101

Main Objective

Students will be able to describe the similarities and differences between Democrat and Republican caucuses in order to prepare for the mock caucus, and they will be able to articulate the strengths and weaknesses of caucuses and primaries.

Additional Objectives

be able to review and apply the definition of a caucus.
continue to hone speaking and debate skills.
analyze news articles as evidence.
evaluate which system works the best to nominate a candidate for president: primaries or caucuses?

90

Minute Curriculum

Activities

History of the Iowa Caucuses: A Strength or a Weakness?
Pre-Debate Preparation: Think-Pair-Share ‘Which Do You Prefer – Primary or Caucus?’
Analyze the Evidence: Primaries v. Caucuses – Strengths and Weaknesses
Debate: Which Method of Candidate Selection is Better?
Reflect: What’s Your Opinion?

Materials

Download the 90-Minute Lesson Plan Here
Computer with Projector OR Student Internet Access for Video Activity
Caucus Recipe Videos:
- Democratic Caucus
- Republican Caucus
One Notecard per Student
One Copy of Each Article Below:
Written Analysis Form
Evidence Form for Debate
Who Do You Support

Other Resources: References for Day 5

Homework: Who Do You Support?

60

Minute Curriculum

Activities

History of the Iowa Caucuses: A Strength or a Weakness?
Analyze the Evidence: Primaries v. Caucuses – Strengths and Weaknesses
Debate: Which Method of Candidate Selection is Better?
Reflect: What’s Your Opinion?

Materials

Download the 60-Minute Lesson Plan Here
Computer with Projector OR Student Internet Access for Video Activity
Caucus Recipe Videos:
- Democratic Caucus
- Republican Caucus
One Copy of Each Article Below:
Written Analysis Form
Evidence Form for Debate
Who Do You Support

Other Resources: References for Day 5

Homework: Who Do You Support?

30

Minute Curriculum

Activities

History of the Iowa Caucuses: A Strength or a Weakness?
Analyze the Evidence: Primaries v. Caucuses – Strengths and Weaknesses
Debate: Which Method of Candidate Selection is Better?
Reflect: What’s Your Opinion?

Materials

Download the 30-Minute Lesson Plan Here
Computer with Projector OR Student Internet Access for Video Activity
Caucus Recipe Videos:
- Democratic Caucus
- Republican Caucus
Evidence Form for Debate
Who Do You Support

Other Resources: References for Day 5

Homework: Who Do You Support?

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.