During Tuesday's election, voters were not only choosing the next president of the United States, but also selecting their state representatives and voicing their opinions on a series of ballot measures.
In the Senate, Democrats picked up two extra seats to hold on to a 53 to 45 seat advantage over Republicans. Two seats will be held by independents, and at least one of them is expected to caucus, or side, with Democrats.
Among those newly elected were Democrats Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin. Baldwin is the first openly gay politician to be elected to the Senate, while Warren is a former Harvard University Law School professor.
Republicans will maintain their majority in the House of Representatives. Ballots are still being counted in a few races, but Republicans are projected to win 235 seats to the Democrats' 200.
Going into the election, Republicans controlled the house with 242 seats. There were five vacant seats before voters went to the polls.
Additionally, voters in Maryland and Maine made history when they approved same-sex marriage by popular vote Tuesday. Minnesotans also rejected a constitutional amendment that would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman.
Washington and Colorado also legalized recreational use of small amounts of marijuana, the first states in the country to do so.
Quotes
"I didn't run to make history. I ran to make a difference," - Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis. Senator-elect.
Warm Up Questions
1. Do you know who your Representatives and Senators are?
2. What is the difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate?
3. What is a "referendum"?
Discussion Questions
1. Are you happy with the results of the election? Why or why not?
2. What are some advantages and disadvantages of having the two halves of the legislature, the Senate and House of Representatives, controlled by two different parties?
3.Why do you think some laws are decided by the government while some are voted on directly by the people? What are some advantages and disadvantages to each method?
Additional Resources
President Barack Obama Wins a Second Term in 2012
Voter Turnout May Decide the Election
Sick of Hearing About “Swing States”? Blame the Electoral College
