Political Parties
C.12.2 Describe how different political systems define and protect individual human rights.
C.12.7 Describe how past and present American political parities and interest groups have gained or lost influence on political decision-making and voting behavior.
Just for Laughs... Click here
C.12.7 Describe how past and present American political parities and interest groups have gained or lost influence on political decision-making and voting behavior.
Just for Laughs... Click here
Click the following link to "test" what you think you know about your political ideals:
Link #1
Link #2
Link #3
Why political parties?
Link #1
Link #2
Link #3
Why political parties?
EXIT SLIP: Political Parties graffiti wall. Create a graffiti wall to convey your understanding of the necessity of political parties within the United States' government system.
What is your political Philosophy? do you have a party?
About the Parties...
Democratic Party
Republican Party
What is your political Philosophy? do you have a party?
About the Parties...
Democratic Party
Republican Party
Political Parties
Unit objectives
- Recognize that political parties are a big influence in the political decisions and behavior of this country.
- Describe the types and philosophies of the different political parties in the U.S.
- List different issues that arise from different individuals and groups who follow political parties.
- Compare and contrast political parties and how they continue to evolve and influence U.S. politics in the 21st century.
- Hypothesize how this country will be different from other countries, from the past, and into the future politically.
Research site. Double click on this link, Type in key words or vocabulary words into search box, Read and learn from multiple sources.
Webquest #1
Webquest #2
Activity 1 Introduction Political Party Quizes
Objectives
- Recognize that political parties are a big influence in the political decisions and behavior of this country.
- Describe the types and philosophies of the different political parties in the U.S.
- List different issues that arise from different individuals and groups who follow political parties.
- Compare and contrast political parties and how they continue to evolve and influence U.S. politics in the 21st century.
- Hypothesize how this country will be different from other countries, from the past, and into the future politically.
Question: Which political parties views do you most align up with? Which one do you you most identify with?
Task: This activity will place you on the political spectrum so you can see the differences that divide us politically.
Directions:
1. Take the two quizes below. Ask if you do not understand a question because it can change your position.
Take this PBS quiz.
Take this 6 page quiz
2. We will get in a group of like parties and beliefs
3. We will discuss some of the questions. See how and why you answered them the way you did.
4. What other issues do you agree on or disagree on?
5. What political party or belief do you think you most align with? Do you agree with the results of the quizes and the people you discussed issues with?
Exit: What issues do you have that are split between the two parties?
Exit question: Why would you compromise on any one issue with someone from a different party or belief?
Activity 2 It Says/I Say/and So Political spectrum 101
Objectives:
- Compare and contrast political parties and how they continue to evolve and influence U.S. politics in the 21st century.
Directions: Answer the following
1. Open a WORD document
2. What is a politician or candidate that you feel you agree with? Why?
3. What is a group or organization that you identify with in their philosophy? Why? Think environmental, animal, social issues, taxes, birth control, etc.
4. What political party do you feel a connection with? Why?
5. Where on the political spectrum are these groups?
6. Read the links below from both sides of the spectrum
7. On WORD document do the It says/I say/ and so format It Says I say and so format.docx
Article 1
Latino Voices Article.docx
Read about a Latino political leader and how he has changed from a republican to an Independent over an issue.
Article 2
The Great Divorce 1960-2011 Republican split.docx Has the Republican party created a two caste system?
Article 3
Woman feeling abandoned by Republicans on birth control.
Article 4
Women centrists and how they are disenchanted.
What states are most liberal or conservative?
Article 5
Why do blacks vote democrat?
Article 6
Why I won't vote democrat.
Article 7
Why I left the democratic party.
Article 8
Less people aligned with political parties.
Exit question: What statement do you align with or disagree with about the parties?
Activity 3 Guide -A -Rama Political parties
Objectives
- Describe the types and philosophies of the different political parties in the U.S.
- List different issues that arise from different individuals and groups who follow political parties.
Directions:
1. Open a word document and turn to Chapter 22, page 588.
2. Follow the pages and the guide to learn how political parties help government, citizens, and are a part of our two-party system of government.
3. Write down thoughts, comments or answers on each step of the guide.
Guide-A-Rama
Page 590- Look at the first three paragraphs with the blue worded definition of a political party. What do you think is the biggest role of a political party?
Page 590-592 Political parties help local, state, and federal governments. What are 4 examples?
Page 592-594 Political parties help citizens fulfill their duties and responsibilities in our democracy. How do political parties help citizens?
Page 595 Look at the introduction of our two party system in the first two paragraphs. Can you see from past activities how Americans think differently about the role of the states and federal government?
Page 596-597 What role does a third political party have in a two party system? Have third parties had an influence on elections?
Page 598 What characteristics does the Democratic Party have that you have seen in the news recently?
Page 599 What characteristics does the Republican Party have that opposed the Democrats in the news recently?
Page 599 Look to the far right in the green box. Read about the third parties and what they believe is similar and different issues to the other two parties.
Page 600-603 How do political parties succeed in elections and maintain power? List a couple of ways they keep their strength.
Exit: Do your political beliefs align more closely with a Republican, Democratic or a Third Party ticket?
Political Party Video
Activity 4 Draw an inference from the reading American Exceptionalism
Objectives:
- Compare and contrast political parties and how they continue to evolve and influence U.S. politics in the 21st century.
- Hypothesize how this country will be different from other countries, from the past, and into the future politically.
Question: What are the author's inferences on the the topic of American Exceptionalism?
An Inference is?
Sometimes someone will try to tell you something without coming right out and saying it. He will imply it. When you understand what is implied, you infer. Sometimes you can infer the truth even when the speaker or writer isn’t trying to be helpful. That’s called “reading between the lines.” Inference is to conclude or deduce from evidence.
Directions:
1. Read the link below and draw a general conclusion.
2. Open a word document and write down your thoughts. Use a double entry diary format. Facts on left, Inferences on right.
3. Discuss with the class
Article 1
DOC112911-11292011115100[1].pdf Reading on American Exceptionalism (Shortest reading)
Article 2
Link Reading on American Exceptionalism
Article 3
Link American Exceptionalsim
Exit: How are political parties helpful or hurtful to exceptionalism?
Activity 5 Party Caucus or Primary What goes into a presidential political election?
Objectives
- Recognize that political parties are a big influence in the political decisions and behavior of this country.
- Describe the types and philosophies of the different political parties in the U.S.
- Compare and contrast political parties and how they continue to evolve and influence U.S. politics in the 21st century.
Question: What is a Caucus? What is a Primary?
Directions:
1. Read the following article.
2. Open a word document and list all the things that went into helping Obama win his first Democratic caucus and presidential election. How does this differ from a primary?
3. Discuss with a small group the obstacles that may keep Barack Obama from getting reelected as President of the United States.
Link
Video; What is a caucus and how is it a part of the election process? Why is Iowa first?
Link. What is a caucus?
Link. News on a caucus and Explains How a caucus works.
4. How does the Republican caucus/primary differ from the Democrat caucus?
Link Caucus vs Primary
Exit: What are some major obstacles that would keep regular people from running for political office?
Activity 6 Double Entry Diary activity Special Interest Groups
Objectives
- Recognize that political parties are a big influence in the political decisions and behavior of this country.
- Describe the types and philosophies of the different political parties in the U.S.
- List different issues that arise from different individuals and groups who follow political parties.
Questions: What issues have the most influence by political groups? Which political party is influenced the most by lobbyists of special interest groups?
Directions:
1. Open a WORD document
2. Take notes on the reading below with a line drawn down the middle of a page.
3. In one column summarize important ideas from the reading.
4. In the other column, write your own thoughts and responses, questions you may have, confusions, or personal reactions and reflections on the information.
5. Share with the class how special interest groups influence political parties and vice versa.
What is a special interest group? Listed groups.
How do special interest groups form?
What interest groups are affiliated with what political party?
Additional activity below
Share this activity with others after we are done reading to discuss and answer questions.
Mobilizing agents, political parties link. Bridge between special interests, voters and candidates. Play this game on Party politics
Activity 7 K-L Activity using googledocs What political parties are there?
Objectives:
- Recognize that political parties are a big influence in the political decisions and behavior of this country.
- Describe the types and philosophies of the different political parties in the U.S.
- List different issues that arise from different individuals and groups who follow political parties.
Poll shows less people align with political parties.
Googledocs Use this to get together with a group and share information on the two sides in a twentyfirst century discussion.
Activity 8 Third party political parties Inquiry Activity
Objectives:
- Recognize that political parties are a big influence in the political decisions and behavior of this country.
- Describe the types and philosophies of the different political parties in the U.S.
- List different issues that arise from different individuals and groups who follow political parties.
- Compare and contrast political parties and how they continue to evolve and influence U.S. politics in the 21st century.
Directions: Answer the question below and then read the articles to change your original hypothesis using inquiry.
Inquiry lesson.docx
Question: Why would a third party emerge in a two party system?
Why third parties?
Ross Perot's successful run as a third party candidate.
A third party in 2012 race?
Poll show less are republican or democrat.
Activity 9 Powerpoint presentation on Political parties
Objectives
- Recognize that political parties are a big influence in the political decisions and behavior of this country.
- Describe the types and philosophies of the different political parties in the U.S.
- List different issues that arise from different individuals and groups who follow political parties.
- Compare and contrast political parties and how they continue to evolve and influence U.S. politics in the 21st century.
Task: Do a powerpoint, prezi, capsul, or other online story telling program to describe what you learned about political parties and their function in our political system.
Directions
1. Open an online story telling program.
2. Individually do your power point, (number of slides in parenthesis), on political parties. You may get together with a partner or two and bounce ideas off each other but I want to see a project from each one of you.
3. ( 1 or 2 slides) to introduce political parties and their function in our political system.
4. ( 3 or more slides) Do a few slides to represent the political parties and their beliefs. Write down key information, pictures, cartoons, symbols, etc. Two main parties (Dem. and Rep.) and any (third party) or two.
5. (1 slide) This slide is so you can identify some special interest groups. What party are they associated with? Identify what you know about their beliefs and issues in regards to social, political, and economic topics.
6. ( 1 slide) State and defend what political party you most identify with and why? Use all the activities from the unit to make a final statement on your conclusion. Make this slide your political statement slide.
7. Present your slides to class and discuss.
Activity 10 Sketching your way through the text
Objectives
- Recognize that political parties are a big influence in the political decisions and behavior of this country.
- Describe the types and philosophies of the different political parties in the U.S.
- List different issues that arise from different individuals and groups who follow political parties.
- Compare and contrast political parties and how they continue to evolve and influence U.S. politics in the 21st century.
- Hypothesize how this country will be different from other countries, from the past, and into the future politically.
Directions
Draw simple pictures or diagrams to highlight main ideas of the text.
1. Read the link and decide on the most important details you would like to reflect.
2. Use a sequence of sketches that are simple and quick to highlight the main ideas of the reading. Ability not the focus but ideas are most important.
3. Show a series of events but you can also represent attitudes or concerns, or objectives of people.
4. Show your sketches to classmates or for viewing by the whole class.
Use Toondoo to create a cartoon that shows your political belief. We will present them to the class so be funny and creative.
Movie or cartoon maker
Activity 11 List-Group-Label activity Political Party music
Objectives:
- Recognize that political parties are a big influence in the political decisions and behavior of this country.
- Describe the types and philosophies of the different political parties in the U.S.
- List different issues that arise from different individuals and groups who follow political parties.
- Compare and contrast political parties and how they continue to evolve and influence U.S. politics in the 21st century.
- Hypothesize how this country will be different from other countries, from the past, and into the future politically.
Question: Does the music that you listen to identify the political party you identify with?
Task: This activity will help you be introduced to political party beliefs through what music they listen to. Work with words associated with the music. List them in the correct party either Republican or Democrat or both. Use social, political, economic, personal, moral or others that could be some key labels.
Summarize through the reading below. Make a list of 20-25 key vocabulary words from the links below. Arrange the words into clusters or words having something in common. Clusters need more than 3 words and words can be used more than once. After the clusters are complete, decide on the best label to identify each cluster.
Read this link and begin to organize your clusters.
After you have listed words and their labels go back through the words and see if you have an increased understanding about Music and how it reflects your political party.
Directions:
1. Open a WORD document
2. Make two columns, one for Democrat and one for Republican
3. Read the links and write words about the music each party listens to listen to.
4. Make groups or clusters of words about the music they like and the themes they have.
5. Label large groupings of words as evidence to the beliefs of the Political Party.
Tea Party Music.docx Tea party music, Republican
Is country music Republican or Democrat?
2008 article on pop stars for Democrats
Quizzes below for finding out if your Democrat or Republican.
Quiz Rocket
Political Quiz
Select Smart
Choose politics in the topics down the left side of the page. Take quizzes.
Exit: Is music an accurate way to judge ones political party?
Activity 12 Build a political avatar that is you and your alter ego
Objectives:
- Recognize that political parties are a big influence in the political decisions and behavior of this country.
- Describe the types and philosophies of the different political parties in the U.S.
- List different issues that arise from different individuals and groups who follow political parties.
- Compare and contrast political parties and how they continue to evolve and influence U.S. politics in the 21st century.
- Hypothesize how this country will be different from other countries, from the past, and into the future politically.
Directions:
Build an online Avatar that shows your political beliefs and the opposing forces of that same belief. Ex. If your conservative show your wild side as a liberal or opposite of your true political position. Share it with the class at end. Use link below to find an avatar site. There are other sites also.
Link
Activity 13 Cartoon Comparisons Comparing political parties
Objectives:
- Recognize that political parties are a big influence in the political decisions and behavior of this country.
- Describe the types and philosophies of the different political parties in the U.S.
- List different issues that arise from different individuals and groups who follow political parties.
- Compare and contrast political parties and how they continue to evolve and influence U.S. politics in the 21st century.
- Hypothesize how this country will be different from other countries, from the past, and into the future politically.
Cartoons can be a great way for one group to get its message to many others in a simple but meaningful manner.
You are to find on the internet cartoons that represent both sides to the discussion. I want two opposite ends of the spectrum, including as many different time periods, different beliefs, different political parties, different ideology, or different outcomes.
Topic-----How are political party differences depicted in cartoons?
Directions:
1. Open a word document, power point, googledoc or other program to work with. You will need two columns or pages for both sides. Title them
2. Search for cartoons that are good representations of both sides and easy to understand. Pick a topic that your interested in or know a little about.
3. Paste your cartoons in the correct column and title them.
4. Write a summary of what your selected cartoons represent.
5. Write a summary reflecting on why this cartoon could continue about the same topic well into the future.
6. Predict how the cartoon would address a future topic.
Use Webklippler
Final assessment for political parties
Political Party Activity
Political Party Brochure
Do your political views align more with the Democrat or Republican Party? Fill out the following definitions and examples for each. Visit a website to learn more of the issues that each party supports. Decide which party’s positions most closely match yours.
Democrat
Republican
Platform
Plank
Task: Write a one page flyer or brochure to convince others to join you in supporting the political party your most closely aligned to. Be sure to outline clearly the party’s position as well as your positions that support the party. You must include at least three positions for a competent.
Activity: Are you a liberal or conservative?
Take a quiz on which side of the spectrum you belong to
- Go to “selectsmart.com” or other web sites (opinionpower.com) or (politicalcompass.org) with political quizzes.
- Go to “political party selector” or “political philosophy” or “are you a liberal or conservative” and learn to which side you lean and why.
- Write down a few beliefs or comments that apply to your political belief that you learned.
- Answer this statement with a few questions: I believe that our government should be active and helpful in helping immigrants reach the American dream.
- In class we will line up according to our leaning of right or left and discuss this statement and the questions with others opposite our viewpoint.
Political Parties
C.12.2 Describe how different political systems definne and protect individual human rights.
C.12.7 Describe how past and present American political parities and interest groups have gained or lost influence on political decision-making and voting behavior.
Just for Laughs... Click on the file below
Download File
Compare the Parties
C.12.2 Describe how different political systems definne and protect individual human rights.
C.12.7 Describe how past and present American political parities and interest groups have gained or lost influence on political decision-making and voting behavior.
Just for Laughs... Click on the file below
Download File
Compare the Parties
Click the following link to "test" what you think you know about your political ideals:
On the Issues
PBS
I Side With
What do political parties?
Download File
EXIT SLIP: Political Parties graffiti wall. Create a graffiti wall to convey your understanding of the necessity of political parties within the United States' government system.
What is your political Philosophy? Do you have a party? About the Parties...
On the Issues
PBS
I Side With
What do political parties?
Download File
EXIT SLIP: Political Parties graffiti wall. Create a graffiti wall to convey your understanding of the necessity of political parties within the United States' government system.
What is your political Philosophy? Do you have a party? About the Parties...
Democratic Party
Republican Party
The Parties broken down: On the Issues
Download File
Poverty NY Times
Republican Party
The Parties broken down: On the Issues
Download File
Poverty NY Times