How the U.S. Presidential Election Works- Election & Civics Activity (1st–3rd)

Make civics and elections come alive with this Presidential Election Activity Pack! Students learn how the U.S. Presidential Election works step-by-step—from voting on Election Day to understanding the Electoral College—then create their own campaign poster and write imaginative “If I Were President” responses. Perfect for Election Week, Constitution Day, or government units, this activity combines social studies and writing skills for meaningful, creative learning.

What’s Included:
✅ Informational passage: How the U.S. Presidential Election Works
✅ “Vote for Me!” campaign poster template
✅ “If I Were President” writing prompts
✅ Teacher tips with sample slogans
✅ No-prep print-and-go pages

Social Studies Standards Covered:

1st Grade:
• 1.1.2 – Understand rules, responsibilities, and leadership in family, school, and community.
• 1.4.2 – Identify community leaders and explain why rules and laws are needed.

2nd Grade:
• 2.3.1 – Learn about government institutions and how leaders are chosen.
• 2.5.2 – Recognize civic responsibilities and the importance of voting.

3rd Grade:
• 3.4 – Understand the U.S. election process, voting, and how citizens choose their leaders.

ELA (English Language Arts) Standards Covered:

1st Grade:
• W.1.1 – Write opinion pieces stating a topic and reason.
• W.1.2 – Write informative texts about a topic.
• SL.1.4 – Describe and present ideas clearly.
• L.1.2 – Use correct capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.

2nd Grade:
• W.2.1 – Write opinion pieces with reasons and conclusions.
• W.2.3 – Write narratives using details and sequence.
• SL.2.4 – Tell stories and recount experiences clearly.

3rd Grade:
• W.3.1 – Write opinion pieces supporting a point of view with reasons.
• W.3.2 – Write informative/explanatory texts.
• W.3.3 – Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences.
• SL.3.4 – Report on topics with appropriate details and pacing.

Why Teachers Love It:
✔ Combines civics and creative writing
✔ Encourages leadership and communication skills
✔ Fun, hands-on activity for all learners
✔ Great for classroom or homeschool use