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Why Do We Vote?

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Lesson Plan

Why Do We Vote? Lesson Plan

Students will be able to explain the importance of voting in a democracy and identify reasons why citizens should participate in elections.

Understanding the significance of voting empowers students to become informed and active participants in their communities and future democratic processes.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, a brief historical overview, and reflection.

Materials

Why Do We Vote? Slide Deck, and Why Do We Vote? Worksheet

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: The Power of Your Voice

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: 'What does it mean to have a voice in something important?' Allow a few students to share.
    - Introduce the concept of voting as a way for citizens to make their voices heard in society.
    - Present the objective of the lesson using the Why Do We Vote? Slide Deck (Slide 1-2).

Step 2

Why Vote? Historical Context

7 minutes

  • Use the Why Do We Vote? Slide Deck (Slide 3-5) to provide a brief overview of the historical struggles for voting rights (e.g., women's suffrage, civil rights movement).
    - Emphasize that voting is a hard-won right that many people fought for.
    - Facilitate a short discussion: 'Why was it so important for these groups to gain the right to vote?'

Step 3

Impact of Voting Today

8 minutes

  • Use the Why Do We Vote? Slide Deck (Slide 6-8) to discuss how voting impacts daily life (e.g., schools, roads, healthcare).
    - Provide contemporary examples of how elected officials make decisions that affect students and their families.
    - Discuss the idea of civic responsibility and how voting is a key part of it.

Step 4

Worksheet & Reflection

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Why Do We Vote? Worksheet and give students 7 minutes to complete it individually.
    - After 7 minutes, briefly discuss some of their reflections as a whole class for 3 minutes.
    - Conclude by encouraging students to think about how they can be informed citizens, even before they are old enough to vote (e.g., staying informed, discussing issues). (Slide 9).
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Slide Deck

Your Voice Matters!

How do you make your voice heard when something is important to you?


Today, we'll explore how our voices shape our world through... voting!


Objective: Understand why voting is important in a democracy and why citizens participate.

Welcome students and set an engaging tone. Ask students what it means to have a voice. Connect their experiences to the idea of a collective voice in society.

Why Do We Vote?

Voting is how citizens choose their leaders and influence decisions.

It's a fundamental part of a democracy where the people hold the power.


Our Goal Today: To understand the power of your voice through voting, and why it's a vital part of our society.

Introduce the lesson's main question and objective, aligning with the lesson plan's introduction.

A Right Earned, Not Given

For many, the right to vote was a long and difficult fight.

Historically, not everyone in the United States could vote:

  • Only white male landowners could vote at first.
  • Women were denied the right to vote until 1920 (19th Amendment).
  • African Americans faced significant barriers until the Civil Rights Movement and Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Why do you think these groups fought so hard for this right?

Begin the historical context by discussing that voting wasn't always a universal right. Ask students if they know of any groups that couldn't vote in the past.

Women's Suffrage

Women like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton bravely campaigned for decades.

Their efforts led to the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote.

Elaborate on specific movements like Women's Suffrage. Show a historical image if possible (though I cannot directly add images).

Civil Rights Movement

African Americans were systematically prevented from voting through unfair laws and practices.

Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and countless others marched and protested.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 finally outlawed discriminatory voting practices, ensuring the right to vote for all citizens.

Discuss the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for voting rights for African Americans. Emphasize the bravery and persistence involved.

Voting's Ripple Effect

Voting isn't just about big elections; it impacts your everyday life!

Elected officials make decisions about:

  • Your schools and education funding.
  • The roads you travel on.
  • Local parks and community services.
  • Even environmental policies that affect your air and water.

Transition to the present day. Ask students how they think voting affects their lives directly.

Real-World Impact

Imagine your city needs a new community center.

  • Your vote (or your parents' vote) helps choose leaders who support or oppose this project.
  • These leaders decide where tax money goes, impacting everything from library hours to public safety.

Provide concrete examples to make the impact tangible for students. Use a local example if the teacher has one in mind.

Your Civic Responsibility

Voting is not just a right, it's a responsibility.

It's how we participate in shaping our society and holding our leaders accountable.

When we vote, we contribute to a stronger, more representative community.

Reinforce the idea of civic responsibility and the power individuals have through their vote.

Your Voice, Our Future

Voting is a powerful tool for change.

It allows us to choose leaders who reflect our values and work for our collective good.


Even if you can't vote yet, how can you be an informed and active citizen today?

Conclude with a reflection. Ask students to share one thing they learned or one reason why they think voting is important now.

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Worksheet

Your Voice, Your Vote: Reflection Worksheet

Directions: After our lesson on "Why Do We Vote?", please answer the following questions to reflect on what you've learned. Provide thoughtful and complete responses.

1. In your own words, explain why voting is important in a democratic society.




2. Name one historical struggle for voting rights that we discussed. Why was it so important for that group to gain the right to vote?




3. Describe two ways that voting by citizens can impact your daily life or your community.




4. Even if you are not old enough to vote yet, what is one way you can be an informed and active citizen today?




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