A Closer Look at the Electoral College with Argumentative Essay

This activity has students look at the original Constitution’s design for the Electoral College, how that was altered with the 12th amendment, and how the Electoral College operates today by filling in an Electoral College map based on the results from the 2016 election (although I don’t tell students which election it was until they’ve completed the map…they normally figure it out as they go). Once students understand just HOW the Electoral College works, I have them read two articles, one in support of the College and one advocating for its alteration. Students then have to formulate their own opinion and express themselves in an argumentative essay. I’ve included a scaffolded organizer for the essay itself and a grading rubric for teacher use.