This is a lesson plan that may be used for grades K -4. The phrase political party has no true definition for them. The fourth graders hear about political parties on television, but they have yet to grasp the significance of a political party. Since the United States presidential election of 2012 is the next United States presidential election to be held, now is a good time for the students to learn just exactly what a political party is so that they can better understand the political procedures that are taking place now. The next presidential election in the USA will be on November 6, 2012.

Follow up:

Objectives -
This lesson plan may be used in Social Studies, Government, or Civics. The objective of the lesson is for the students to gain an understanding of political parties, election campaigns and the importance of voting. This activity may be defined as a mini election campaign that introduces students to the concepts of political parties, platforms and differences in parties.

Keywords -
election, political, candidate, campaign, voting, political party, platform
Materials Needed
Poster paper and markers

Lesson -
Ask the students:
1.    What do you think a political party is?
2.    Is it like a birthday party?
3.    Is it like a business party that your parents may attend?
Define "party" in the political sense to them. A group of people who believe similar things which is very much like birthday parties because everyone believes in birthday parties. It is different because a political party will nominate candidates for office.  Refer them to times when they may have chosen someone to lead a game or to be the classroom leader. They often "nominated" someone by simply calling out a name because they wanted that person to be the leader. Tell them that if a candidate is nominated he or she will be expected to represent the party "platform," or beliefs, in office.

Lesson 1 -
1.    Ask an opinion question. "How many of you like green apples?"
2.    Divide the class into two groups. The I Love Green Apples group and the I Don't Like Green Apples group.
3.    "Now," you say. "We have two parties with different opinions just like the Republicans and the Democrats."
4.    Ask "Who likes apple pie?" Keep them in the same two groups, but let the groups divide on the apple pie issue. Explain that sometimes within parties, some people have different opinions but they are still a group

Lesson  two -
Have the students focus on their common interest (like or don't like green apples). Let them write a cheer and perform it for the whole class. Have them vote on whose cheer was the most persuasive. (political advertisement)

Lesson three -
Have each "party" to nominate one person to be its "candidate." Make sure they realize
for everyone in the room.

Lesson four -
Let students create campaign posters that illustrate their platform and to encourage others to vote for their candidate. Display them. (Compare to political signs we see in neighborhoods.)

Lesson five - 
1. Give parties time to talk to their candidate about what he should say. Each candidate gives speech.
2. Compare class speeches to the debates seen on TV
3. Take a silent ballot. Explain they don't have to vote for their parties candidate but may vote for whomever they want.

Conclusion -
Have students talk about what they have learned or ask questions about anything they did understand.