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Page history last edited by David Fay 3 years, 3 months ago

Welcome to the U.S. Elections wiki! The aim of this project is to tell a part of America's story through examining the electoral systems that have underpinned the American government since its founding over 230 years ago. In addition, it provides English Language teachers with fun, practical, and easily applicable ideas and activities to help their students better understand the different electoral processes.

2008 is a presidential election year in the United States. Throughout the year, voters in each state will watch the candidates debate, read an endless number of news stories, talk about the options and issues with their friends, family and neighbors, and hopefully, in the end, cast their vote on November 4, 2008. In short, the process will saturate the social life of Americans for months.

Much of the language used to discuss the elections is unique to the American experience and reflects the nuances of the process, the attitudes of the voters, and deeper conceptual beliefs and biases. Without a solid understanding of key words and phrases as well as underlying concepts and attitudes, it is difficult to understand this important slice of American political tradition.

Our goals is to stimulate learning, discussion and collaboration among those who are interested in U.S. elections and culture. To accomplish this, we provide:

- key words and phrases that are part of the U.S. elections process.

- activities to help practice and test one's understanding of the words and phrases

- resources for students and teachers who would like to take a closer look at the elections process and its unique language.

- an opportunity to add to this growing list of words by adding your own information to the wiki pages.

- video, audio, and print texts which educate users on the processes themselves as well as the language involved.

- activities pitched to various English language proficiency groups and different age groups.

- ideas for other teachers not only to use in their classrooms but share with others who might use this wiki in some capacity. Please don't hesitate to share your ideas and exercises!

Below is a links table to the various sections and exercises in this wiki. Each page contains exercises and documents which teachers can use both to educated themselves as well as their students about the complex aspects of American politics.

Language/Content/Skill Focus Areas

Vocabulary

Ballot Vocabulary (matching)