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| Core Learning Goal: 3 |
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The student will demonstrate an understanding of geographic concepts and processes to examine the role of culture, technology, and the environment in the location and distribution of human activities through history.
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| Expectation: 1 |
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The student will demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of cultural and physical geographic factors in the development of government policy.
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| Indicator: 3.1.1 |
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The student will explain the influence of demographic changes on government policies.
Assessment Limits:
- Influence of demographic factors on voting patterns.
- Influence of demographic factors on government funding decisions.
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This lesson requires students to interpret graphs and analyze trends in voter participation. The data show students demographic factors that contribute to voter turnout. |
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Students will interpret graphs and other demographic data. |
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Students will analyze voter participation patterns and identify the characteristics of people most likely to vote. |
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Student Handout: | Demographic Investigation Directions |
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Data Handout 1: | Voter Participation (5 graphs) |
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Data Handout 2: | Voting Age Population (5 graphs) |
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Data Handout 3: | Voter Registration and Turnout by State |
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Data Handout 4: | Voter Registration Process |
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Data Handout 5: | Percent of Popular Vote (1996) |
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| Percent of Voting Age Population
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This Net Investigation activity can be found at:
http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/departments/isa/ninvest/vote/voteindex.htm |
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- Ask students if they can explain why some people do not vote.
- Distribute the handout Demographic Investigation Directions. After students have completed the first item, have them examine the five graphs on Data Handout 1. Guide students in analyzing each graph. Then have students complete the investigation in pairs. Make sure that each pair receives a copy of all other Data Handouts.
- If students use the web-based version, they are asked to link to Project Vote Smart's information on state voter registration for the four states they have to examine. There is an archived version of this registration information on Data Handout 4.
- Tell students to stop when they have completed Step 8, and conduct a debriefing. Students should then complete the summary activities (steps 9 and 10) individually or with their partners. Have student volunteers share their public service announcements.
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Have students answer this Brief Constructed Response item:
"Democracy is not a spectator sport."
League of Women Voters Ad
- Describe reasons for low voter turnout in United States elections.
- What is the most effective way to increase voter participation?
- Include examples and details to support your answer.
Use the Social Studies Rubric to score student responses. |
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 Print Version: Government Lesson Plan (Acrobat 1,125k)
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