We’re pleased to introduce our collection of Majority Rules Teaching Resources, new at Journeys in Film!
Majority Rules is a documentary that asks: What if changing the way we vote could change everything?
Majority Rules Teaching Resources FAQ
Why Use Majority Rules Teaching Resources In Your Classroom
Majority Rules illustrates how voters can reclaim power and bring about fairer, more representative elections, through the lens of Alaska’s groundbreaking election reforms. At a time when confidence in democracy is at historic lows, this award-winning documentary offers a clear, compelling look at a real solution.
What Ages Is This Film For
Majority Rules is not rated. We recommend it for ages 13 and up.
What Kind of Majority Rules Teaching Resources Are Available
1. Majority Rules Teaching Resources: Learning Guide
The Learning Guide encourages students to explore this driving question: What do you want from your government?
The printer-friendly guide features Key Questions, Useful Terms, and Extension Activities. It is available in PDF and Google Slideshow formats.
Subjects: Civics, Current Events, Government, Political Science, Social Studies.
Designed for: Grades 8-12.
2. Majority Rules Teaching Resources: Discussion Guide
The Discussion Guide includes:
- Background information on primary elections and ranked choice voting in comparison to traditional voting.
- Maps and graphics related to ranked choice voting.
- Discussion questions.
Subjects: Government, Political Science.
Designed for: International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) Government Classes, Higher Education, and Community Learning Environments
3. Majority Rules Teaching Resources: Candidate Memo Assignment | Assignment / Student Activity
In this assignment, students write two candidate memos. Each memo outlines a strategic plan for a hypothetical candidate running in the primary for a U.S. Senate. The memos will analyze the Race Overview, Target Voters, Messaging, and Tactics.
The first memo should be written for a candidate running in a traditional primary where the candidate is only competing against members of the same political party. The second memo should be written for a candidate running in a system like they have in Alaska (i.e. a top-4 primary that will be followed by a general election that uses ranked choice voting).
Subjects: Government, Political Science.
Designed for: International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) Government Classes, Higher Education, and Community Learning Environments
4. Majority Rules Teaching Resources: Essay Question | Assignment / Student Activity
This essay assignment asks students to consider how implementing the Alaska system (i.e., a top-4 primary combined with ranked-choice voting in the general) could change how campaigns for Congress are run in their state.
This critical thinking and writing exercise can work as an in-class student activity or a take-home writing assignment.
Subjects: Government, Political Science.
Designed for: International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) Government Classes, Higher Education, and Community Learning Environments
Who Should Teach with Majority Rules Teaching Resources
These resources are best for Grades 8-12, International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) Government Classes, higher education and adult learning communities. They are also great for after school clubs, community education, service learning spaces and public screenings.
What Classes do the Majority Rules Teaching Resources Work In
These resources are suitable for classes in: Civics, Current Events, Government, Political Science, Social Studies, including International Baccalaureate (IB) or Advanced Placement (AP) Government Classes.
Tell Me More About Majority Rules
Majority Rules asks: What if changing the way we vote could change everything? With America’s democratic experiment mired in division and dysfunction, the state of Alaska votes to revolutionize their election system. The surprising results spark new alliances, a growing call for election reform, and fierce pushback from political parties. Could changing how Americans vote also change politics for the better?
How Long is Majority Rules
Two versions of Majority Rules are available for screening.
- The original theatrical release of Majority Rules is 89 minutes.
- Majority Rules 101 is a special 30-minute version for educational use.
Where Can I Get the Majority Rules Teaching Resources
Get your free copy of these teaching resources from the Majority Rules film page in the Journeys in Film Resource Library and learn more about teaching with this powerful film.
Where Can I Watch Majority Rules
Get the latest information on where to watch this film from the Majority Rules film page in the Journeys in Film Resource Library.
What Other Films Can I Combine With This Film
If you’re teaching about US Campaigns and Elections, Majority Rules makes a powerful combination with Dark Money and Resisterhood.
Where Can I Get Related Resources
Check out our related resource collections on Civics and Civic Engagement Collection plus our Student Election Class Activity.
Important Dates for Teaching With This Resource
- Election Season
- September 16th – Voter Registration Day
- October 27 – National Civics Day
- March – Civic Learning Week (dates vary)
How Can I Set Up Community Screenings
Small grants (up to $2,500) are available to support nonpartisan organizations, community groups, and academic institutions in hosting local screenings of Majority Rules.
Organizations can use this grant to:
- Cover venue rental and A/V costs
- Promote the event to your community
- Offer free tickets or refreshments
- Host post-screening panels or community discussions
- Spark civic engagement around electoral reform
- Leverage the film for fundraising for your organization
Get the grant application from the the Majority Rules film page in the Journeys in Film Resource Library.
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How Can I Share Feedback
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