This 10-minute video provides a case study on the importance of midterm elections by examining the 1994 midterms using two different lesson plans.

Candidates & Campaigns: This lesson asks students to examine historical and contemporary midterm elections and candidates to determine how political issues and media coverage affect a candidate’s success. Students will analyze the 1994 midterm elections and then make connections to the 2022 midterms by examining contemporary candidates from different parties.

Issues and Actions: Students will examine primary sources and secondary sources to analyze how political issues from the 1994 midterm elections affected both that particular election and the current political climate. By analyzing key cultural and political issues from the 1994 election, students will examine polling data, candidate’s campaigns and contemporary news coverage to determine how these issues are still relevant today. Students will also investigate the Contract with America to determine how this platform played a role in the 1994 midterm elections.