Every election season, candidates flood the airwaves with ads, participate in debates, and rally support—but what really goes on behind the scenes of American elections? How do campaign finance laws shape political races, and why does the Electoral College determine the winner instead of the popular vote?

In this episode of The American Government Curriculum Companion, we review the election process in the United States. We’ll explore how campaign finance laws influence fundraising and spending, break down how the Electoral College works (and why it’s often debated), and examine the impact of gerrymandering on congressional districts. Finally, we’ll discuss the role of media in elections, including the rise of misinformation and “fake news,” and how voters can think critically about political messaging.

This episode is designed to accompany our unit plan on Campaigns and Elections for our complete Civics and American Government Curriculum, which includes resources and lessons designed for middle school and high school classrooms.

Students of History provides engaging lessons and resources for every unit in Civics & Government, along with US History, World History, and World Geography. You can learn more at StudentsofHistory.com.