In the right hand column are links to charts of information regarding political parties in the twentieth century. The first chart provides information about political parties and their presidential candidates. The second chart highlights a few of the laws enacted under the direction of presidents during the twentieth century, as well as major events. The third chart provides information regarding the political parties of the twentieth century and their beliefs.
1. Divide students into groups of four students each and divide the twenty-six presidential campaigns equally among the groups.
2. Notify students that they will be writing a “What might have been” history of the United States.
3. Distribute hard copies of the charts in the document section of this lesson plan.
4. Notify students to further research the candidates assigned as well as the represented political parties through the internet or local library.
5. Have each group present their findings to the class.
Granfield, Linda. How Our President is Elected. Towanda: Kids Can Press, 2003.
Books for Teachers:
* Boller, Paul F. Jr. Presidential Wives. (2nd edition). New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.
Gunther, Richard. Political Parties: Old Concepts and New Challenges. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.
Michels, Robert. Political Parties. New York: Crowell-Collier Publishing Company, 1962.
Ware, Alan. Political Parties and Party Systems. New York: Oxford University Press, 1995.
This lesson was written by Debra L. Clark, Kent State University.