Primaries and Caucuses Discussion Prompts and Pause Points
Read the movie description that appears below the movie player on the Primaries and Caucuses Topic Page. Then use the following prompts to encourage class discussion before, during, and after watching the movie.
Before the Movie
What do you think is the purpose of a primary?
What do you hope to learn about primaries and caucuses?
During the Movie (Pause Points)
Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:
Timecode 1:03: In what way are primaries and caucuses like the election before the election?
Timecode 1:23: What happens at a nominating convention?
Timecode 2:04: How can voters get to know the primary candidates? How can candidates get to know voters?
Timecode 2:44: Why do some states get more delegates than others?
Timecode 3:03: What are some of the different ways or “rules” for awarding delegates?
Timecode 4:34: What are the pros and cons of caucuses?
Timecode 5:01: Why are the Iowa caucuses and the New Hampshire primary influential?
After the Movie
Do you think caucuses are a good idea or not?
What is one new thing you learned about primaries and/or caucuses?
*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.