1880 Republican National Convention

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/1880-republican-national-convention

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the convention venue?Interstate Exposition Building, Chicago, Illinois
2. What is the total ballots cast for president?36 ballots
3. What happened at the 1880 Republican National Convention in Chicago?It was a long meeting where many people voted to choose the party's presidential candidate. Delegates had to cast 36 ballots before picking James A. Garfield.
4. Why did the convention take so many ballots?The party was split between groups like the Stalwarts and Half-Breeds, and no one got enough votes until Garfield won.

Spoils System: A practice where political winners reward their supporters with government jobs and contracts.
Faction: A group within a larger group that has different beliefs or goals.
Dark Horse Candidate: An unexpected contender who emerges late in a competition and gains significant support.
Electoral College: A system where electors chosen by each state cast votes to elect the U.S. President.