1. US History and Government
Primary, or caucus?
US History and Government

2. What is the difference between a primary and a caucus?
Essential Questions
State Standards
Grade Level/Time
Overview)
What is a Primary?
How are candidates for U.S President nominated by the Democratic and Republican Parties?
What is the difference between a primary and a caucus?
Standard 5.1: Students will use evidence to document the development and evolu- tion of the American political party system and explain the historic and
current roles of political parties.
7-12th Graders
2 50 Minute Class Periods
Lesson Source:
This lesson may be used to introduce students to the system of primaries and caucuses by which candidates for U.S. president are nominated by their parties. It will take 1 – 2 class periods. It may be used in any social studies class in which current events are discussed, but it is especially relevant in a U.S. government or civics course. 
Objective
After completing this lesson, students will understand the process by which candidates for U.S. president are nominated by the Democratic and Republican parties. They will identify and understand differences between primaries and caucuses and key terms and issues related to the primary season.

3. Materials How Does the Primary Process Work – Article
Primary Elections Explained – Video
Primaries Handout
Handout1.pdf
Key - content/uploads/sites/2/2015/12/Primaries-Handout-Key.pdf
Everything You Need to Know About How the Presidential Primary Works – Article
about-how-the-presidential-primary-works/?utm_term=.c c59
How the Iowa Caucus Works, Featuring Legos

4. Introduction to the primary process
Primary Elections Explained – Video

5. Background - Nominating process/primary season
How Does the Primary Process Work – Article
Discuss as a class
education/presidential - primary#.WWD5NxP yvOR

6. Primaries handout
Pass this handout to the class and have them complete it in groups.
Primaries Handout
content/uploads/sites/2/2015/12/Primaries-Handout1.pdf
Key - content/uploads/sites/2/2015/12/Primaries-Handout-Key.pdf

7. Discussion 1 – The System
Think about the process of nominating a party’s candidate for president. How has this process changed over the last 40 years? Why?
What impact have these changes had on nominating conventions?
What do you think of these changes?

8. Discussion 2 – the schedule
Explain the impact of frontloading.
What special importance does the primary schedule give to states with earlier primaries?
To candidates who organize and fundraise early?
What has happened to the effective length of the primary season?
According to the Washington Post ARTICLE, what recent changes were made to the primary schedule based on the primary season of 2012?

9. Discussion 3 - comparisons
Compare the primaries and caucuses to the general election for president in terms of participation.
What percentage of the population votes in primaries?
How does this differ from the general election for president?
How else do those who vote in the primaries differ from the electorate as a whole? Analyze the implications of these differences.

10. Get involved!!!
Learn more about and get involved in your state’s primary/caucus.
You can find your state HERE.
Questions for Further Research
What is the history of primaries and/or caucuses in your state?
How do the parties differ in the rules they set for the primary or caucus in your state?
How would an interested voter get more involved in the process?
What special role, if any, is your state’s primary or caucus likely to have in this year’s presidential primary season?
Who do you expect to do well in your state and why?
Students may get more involved by working on the campaigns of particular candidates, helping to inform voters by volunteering for nonpartisan organizations such as The League of Women Voters, or by “poll watching” on primary day.

11. Conclusion – wrap up
How The Iowa Democratic Caucus Works, Featuring Legos
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12. Additional resources PBS NewsHour Election coverage Iowa Caucus 101
Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
Federal Election Commission
Project Vote Smart
Politico
the-parties-choose-a-candidate-lesson-plan/