This lesson from PBS NewsHour examines the political process, the candidates and their platforms, and the ultimate outcome of the 2012 election.

Students will:

1. Work as a class to create a flow chart documenting the steps a candidate must take to be elected to the presidency.

2. Participate in a class discussion about the number of candidates, the reasons people seek to be president, and the election process.

3. Utilize research skills to create a profile of a specific candidate and his/her qualifications, point of view on various topics, and presidential campaign.

4. Present their candidate profile projects to classmates. 5. Monitor the progress of the presidential candidates and participate in classroom discussions about the success of the various campaigns.