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Lesson Plan

The Political Flip: Voter Changes in Georgia and Beyond

This lesson takes students on a journey to understand why many Black Americans flipped from loyal Republican voters during Reconstruction to hopeful Democrat voters during the Civil Rights Era of the 1960s.

About this lesson

The political shift of Black voters from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party in the United States reflects a complex historical and sociopolitical evolution. Following the Civil War and Reconstruction era, newly enfranchised Black voters primarily aligned with the Republican Party due to its role in advocating for abolition and civil rights. However, the passage of landmark civil rights legislation in the 1960s, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, marked a pivotal turning point in political allegiance. These legislative milestones, championed by Democratic leaders, contributed to a significant realignment of the Black electorate. In this lesson, students will dive deeper into why this political flip occurred through an examination of primary and secondary sources.

Grade Level

  • Grade Level

    Sixth, Seventh, Eighth

  • Subject

    Civics, Social Studies, US History

  • Duration

    180 minutes

  • Class Period Structure

    Three 60-minute class periods

  • Activities, Background Essay, Glossary, Primary Sources, Rubric, Secondary Sources, Timeline

  • At the end of this lesson students will be able to:

    • Detail why United States voters changed their political alliances during the 20th century.

  • It will be helpful for students to be familiar with:

    • The Democratic Process, Electoral College, Political Parties, Presidential Elections in the United States
    • Reconstruction
    • Civil Rights Legislation

  • Georgia

    SS8H5: Analyze the impact of the Civil War on Georgia

    SS8H7: Evaluate key political, social, and economic changes that occurred in Georgia during the New South Era

    SS8H12: Explain the importance of developments in Georgia since the late 20th century.

    L6-8RHSS1: Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources.

    L6-8RHSS3: Identify key steps in a text’s description of a process related to history/social studies (e.g., how a bill becomes law, how interest rates are raised or lowered).

    L6-8RHSS7: Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

Supporting Materials

Primary Source

Glossary

  • Conservatism –

    A political belief supporting established institutions and customs and preferring gradual development to sudden change. Specifically: such a philosophy calling for lower taxes, limited government regulation of business and investing, a strong national defense, and individual financial responsibility for personal needs.

  • Free Market –

    An economy operating by free competition.

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