This themed page is cross-curricular and will touch on aspects of post-primary CSPE, History, Geography and English. It may be particularly useful for Transition Year. While the page was originally written for the 2008 election we have recently updated with something on the 2010 mid-term elections.
Something about the Primaries & the Candidates
2008 US Election - The Candidates
From an election website. Short biographical notes on each of the candidates.
Teachers - Possible use: Get the students to research the candidates - set up an election and get them to vote.
Nominating System - Handout
A worksheet where students define or describe specific terms relating to the nominating system. Does require background knowledge. Answers available here.
Voting Atlas
Interactive atlas of each state with results and predictions for each.
Teachers - Possible use: Allocate different states to individuals and ask them to investigate the different candidates and voting patterns.
Comparing Electoral Systems
US Electoral System v Irish Electoral System (PDF)
Explanations of the different electoral systems in each country.
Teachers - Possible use: Get the students to describe the basic features of each system and to explain how they differ. Students could create a flow chart to explain the US system.
The 2010 Mid-Terms
Scholastic.com has a number of young reporters exploring the issues and the key races in the elections.
Teachers - Possible use: Students could prepare a three minute demonstration on why they particular candidates will win (or won).
Guardian's interactive guide to the states and the likely winners.
A Little Geography
Map of the US
Blank map showing the outline of the 50 states.
Teachers - Possible use: Print out and get students to identify location of specific states. Get to know Washington from Washington DC. Students could also try a drag & drop activity in an online jigsaw map.
A Little History
Presidents of the US
Chronological outline and biographical details for all presidents.
Teachers - Possible use: Take a look at the foreign policy emphasis of all presidents from Roosevelt to Reagan.
Quiz on US Presidents
Six question quiz covering aspects of the Senior Cycle History course.
Teachers of Senior Cycle History will find over 100 reviewed links on the topic 'USA and the World 1945-1989' on the HIST website www.hist.ie