Lesson Plans for Teaching About Peceful Transitions of Power
The 2024 presidential election marked an important moment in U.S. democratic history and provided a real-world opportunity for students to examine how power is transferred following an election. The peaceful transition of power—from election results through Inauguration Day—remains a foundational principle of democratic governance and a key topic in civic education.
This collection brings together lesson plans and classroom resources that help students understand how the transition process works, why it matters, and what responsibilities institutions and leaders hold during this period. Resources explore topics such as election certification, the role of Congress, presidential inaugurations, and the norms and traditions that support democratic continuity.
Developed in collaboration with educators and civic organizations, these materials also support civil discourse and critical analysis of current and historical events. Students are encouraged to examine how democratic systems function, how conflicts can arise, and how peaceful transitions help sustain stability and public trust.
While grounded in lessons drawn from the 2024 election, this collection is designed to remain relevant for future presidential transitions, including the 2028 election and beyond. The resources help students connect civic principles to real events while considering their own role in sustaining democracy over time.
