In the election of 1800, incumbent John Adams ran against then Vice President Thomas Jefferson. The issues impacting our country at that time included The Alien and Sedition Acts, slavery, and states’ rights v. federal power. It was a contentious battle that ended with the first peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another in United States history, when Jefferson was declared the victor.

Laura Pasek, the 3^rd and 4^th grade teacher at the Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor, has chosen to use this contest as a creative and engaging way to teach her students about the democratic process. The students have fully occupied the political world of the early 19^th century.  They have created campaign slogans, conducted mock interviews with historical figures, presented convention speeches, and participated in debates in character as the candidates themselves.  And now, it is time to vote!

GENERAL ELECTION BALLOT – NOVEMBER 4, 1800

Democratic-Republican Convention from HebrewDaySchoolofAnnArbor on Vimeo.

Hebrew Day School ditches modern politics in mock presidential election

ANN ARBOR, MI – Rather than take their cues from the current presidential nominees, students at Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor have looked to the Founding Fathers to learn about the political system.

This school is holding a presidential election – but Trump and Clinton aren’t on the ballot

Ruth Ebenstein is an American Israeli writer, historian and health and peace activist – and mother of three boys in elementary school. Born in California and reared in Michigan, she moved to Jerusalem days after graduating from Northwestern University and has lived there since.