How elections work, and how the Electoral College chooses a president

Grade 8 Social Studies Worksheet - Building Confidence

Circle the best answer.

2. 1.

   In Ari's flow chart, which step comes first?

   • The general election in November
   • Congress's count
   • The electors' votes
   • Primaries and caucuses
3. 2.

   When is the general election, Bo asks?

   Use the picture in question 1.

   • Early September, when the national conventions meet
   • The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November
   • January 6, when Congress meets
   • January 20 of the next year
4. 3.

   In a closed primary, who can vote, Esme asks?

   Use the picture in question 1.

   • Voters registered with that party
   • Members of Congress
   • The electors from December
   • Any voter in the state, in any party or in no party
5. 4.

   In an open primary, who can take part, Jun asks?

   Use the picture in question 1.

   • Delegates sent from other states
   • Voters not registered with the party too
   • Registered members of that party, no one else
   • The electors, no one else
6. 5.

   When does Congress count the electoral votes, Luz asks?

   Use the picture in question 1.

   • January 20
   • January 6
   • In December
   • In November
7. 6.

   When is the new President sworn in, Milo asks?

   Use the picture in question 1.

   • In December
   • In early September
   • January 20
   • January 6
8. 7.

   Where do the electors cast their votes, Noah asks?

   Use the picture in question 1.

   • In the House chamber
   • At the Supreme Court
   • In their own states
   • At the national conventions
9. 8.

   By the arrows, what decides which party's electors are appointed, Pia asks?

   Use the picture in question 1.

   • The delegates at the conventions
   • Congress's count in January
   • The state's popular vote in November
   • The President's own choice
10. 9.

    Why are primaries held before the conventions, Ren asks?

    Use the picture in question 1.

    • They swear in the President
    • They count the electoral votes
    • They award the delegates
    • They replace the general election
11. 10.

    How often is a presidential election held, Zee asks?

    Use the picture in question 1.

    • Every two years
    • Every six years
    • Each year
    • Every four years