Alabama Social Studies SS24.USG.10a
The Standard
- SS24.USG.10
- Outline major characteristics and functions of contemporary political parties in the United States, including the role of state and national conventions as well as party leadership.
Describe how third-party candidates have historically affected elections in the United States, and evaluate the arguments for and against their inclusion in contemporary elections.
2024 Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students use past election results to explain how third-party candidates affected votes and campaigns. They weigh wider voter choice against concerns about vote splitting when considering ballot and debate access today.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can use the 1912 results to explain how Theodore Roosevelt divided Republican support with William Howard Taft. They can make a fair argument on each side of third-party access without assuming all Roosevelt voters would have chosen Taft.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may assume every third-party vote would have gone to one major-party candidate. They may also think a large popular-vote share guarantees electoral votes, or confuse ballot access with debate invitations.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: In 1912, Wilson won 42% of the popular vote, Roosevelt 27%, and Taft 23%. Name one effect of Roosevelt’s run and give one argument for or against third-party ballot access today.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give groups a 1992 election map and a card showing Perot’s 19% popular-vote share; have them mark his state wins.
Ask: Should a candidate polling at 5% get a debate spot? Defend your answer with one benefit and one concern.
Vote on pizza, tacos, or sandwiches for a mock lunch, then hold a two-option runoff and compare the totals.
Look up Alabama’s ballot-access rules for minor parties, then list two steps a party must complete to appear on the ballot.
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Related Standards
- SS24.USG.9b
Analyze the influence of television and digital media on elections and campaign spending.
- SS24.USG.7c
Analyze historic and current barriers to voting access and voter turnout, and weigh the benefits and consequences of possible solutions.
- SS24.USG.10b
Assess the impact of political parties on citizens and elected officials, including the increase of political polarization, rise of independent voters, and disi...
- SS24.USG.10
Outline major characteristics and functions of contemporary political parties in the United States, including the role of state and national conventions as well...
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