What is the main purpose of holding a mock election in a high school government class?

The primary purpose of holding a mock election in a high school government class is to teach the electoral system. Such an activity allows students to engage actively with the democratic process, understand how elections work, and experience the roles and responsibilities involved in civic participation.

By simulating an election, students gain firsthand experience of the voting process, from campaigning to casting ballots, which helps reinforce their understanding of key concepts such as voter registration, election laws, and the importance of informed voting. Additionally, mock elections can stimulate discussions about political parties, candidate platforms, and the significance of civic engagement in a democracy.

While developing application skills is indeed an important outcome of such exercises, the overarching goal is educational—specifically relating to understanding the electoral process itself. This comparison helps clarify that engaging in a realistic scenario of an election provides essential insights into not only how elections function but also the underlying principles of the democratic system.