Lesson 3: The Candidates Debate (HS)

Debates can be exciting, energizing, information-packed events. Students often think of the types
of debates they have done in class, perhaps a Lincoln-Douglas debate or a policy debate. This
lesson takes students through the presidential debates used in campaigns. Using information
gathered in Lesson 2 about the presidential candidates’ stances on issues, students will view the
debates and determine if the candidates have an identifiable and consistent position. Students
will determine if the presidential debates are a useful tool in helping them choose a candidate.