<< BACK TO The Legislative Branch

Mini-lesson: Midterm Elections (HS)

Lesson Plan

Students will learn about the midterm election, its role as a referendum on the presidency, and how a shift in party control impacts the legislative and executive branches. Page two of this Media Moment Mini-lesson overs horse race journalism, common during election season, and the limitations of this type of coverage. In the activity, students consider an article about a West Virginia Senate primary candidate and practice distinguishing substantive information about a candidate from horse race coverage.

 

*NEW* Help students grasp the power of a midterm election with our new infographic: "Midterm Math"
Available for a limited time! Download in Teacher Resources today.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The student will be able to...

  • Define midterm elections

  • Describe the impact midterm elections have on the executive and legislative branch

  • Identify horse race journalism

  • Explain how horse race journalism can affect the public

LESSON MATERIALS

Downloadable Resources

Resources for this lesson are available in print and digital form. A free teacher account is required to access them. Log in or register below.