Answers -- Fun, Facts, and Trivia
December 2002 Issue

The Dirksen Center wants to help teachers teach better by giving them the opportunity to use technology to create, customize, and share online learning activities in their classrooms. The Center wants to help students learn more by bringing educational resources together in one place that provide new ways to learn about Congress interactively.

Electing Candidates to Office

The presidential campaign is the most important political race in our country. Election Day happens every four years, but the race starts long before that first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. For a little fun and learning, watch an original animated movie that explains presidential elections in a voice and visual style that is accessible, educational, and entertaining for both children and adults. At the end, you can choose to watch the movie again, take an online quiz, or learn about the Electoral College. Find "Elections" at:
http://www.congressforkids.net/games/ executivebranch/2_execbranch.htm

The Long Road to Victory – The Race is On!

When voters support all the candidates from the same party, this is often called…

A) voting a straight ticket
B) voting a litmus test
C) voting on personal appeal
D) voting without standards

True or False: The U.S. Constitution states that the presidential candidate who wins the most votes in a state receives all of that state's electoral votes.
Answer: False - states choose

Critical Thinking

The Electoral College usually tracks the popular vote, with the same presidential candidate winning in each. On occasion, such as in 2000, the Electoral College chooses a different candidate than the one who received the most votes. This arrangement is easy to criticize, but try to brainstorm reasons why it may be less dangerous than a straight-forward election. Can you think of any other reasons why using the Electoral College is a good idea?

Answers to November's issue of Fun, Facts, and Trivia link here: http://www.webcommunicator.org/funfactstrivia1102ans.htm

Do you have or know of an online activity you would like The Dirksen Congressional Center to feature on its new Web site for students -- Congress for Kids? The Center is currently seeking online activities that provide new ways to learn about Congress and the workings of the federal government interactively.

If you have questions or suggestions for online activities, contact Cindy Koeppel .