Social Studies Grade 6-8

Social Studies: Elections and the Electoral College

Understanding how presidential elections work in the United States

View Answer Key
Name:
Date:
Score: / 12

Social Studies: Elections and the Electoral College

Understanding how presidential elections work in the United States

Social Studies - Grade 6-8

Instructions: Read each problem carefully. Answer in complete sentences and show your thinking when needed.
  1. 1
    Voters place ballots in a box while an elected leader stands nearby.

    What is the main purpose of an election in a democracy?

  2. 2

    Who is allowed to vote in United States federal elections today?

  3. 3
    A diagram contrasts individual voters with a U.S. map showing state-based electoral votes.

    What is the difference between the popular vote and the Electoral College in a presidential election?

  4. 4
    States with different populations show different amounts of representation.

    Why do states have different numbers of electoral votes?

  5. 5
    A state’s electoral tokens all go to the candidate with more votes in that state.

    A candidate wins the popular vote in a state. In most states, what usually happens to that state's electoral votes?

  6. 6

    How many electoral votes does a candidate need to win the presidency?

  7. 7
    A map shows many popular votes in some states but more electoral support spread across other states.

    Why might a candidate win the national popular vote but still lose the presidential election?

  8. 8
    A state balances evenly between two campaign colors, representing a swing state.

    What is a swing state in a presidential election?

  9. 9
    A candidate’s campaign route focuses on highlighted swing states.

    Why do presidential candidates often spend more time campaigning in swing states than in states that strongly support one party?

  10. 10
    Two senator icons and eight representative icons combine into ten electoral vote tokens.

    If a state has 2 senators and 8 representatives, how many electoral votes does it have? Explain your answer.

  11. 11

    Name one advantage and one criticism of the Electoral College.

  12. 12

    Why is it important for citizens to stay informed before voting in an election?

LivePhysics.com Social Studies - Grade 6-8

More Social Studies Worksheets

See all Social Studies worksheets

More Grade 6-8 Worksheets

See all Grade 6-8 worksheets