Political Parties

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

12

Overview

In this learning activity, students explore political parties and how well they represent individuals. Students look closely at how politicians address international issues, issues important to them, and issues they support. Students compare political parties and construct an argument about which party best represents them. Additional resources are available under the Download PDF or DOC button.

Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 12 - United States Government

SS10.USG.10

Evaluate roles political parties play in the functioning of the political system of the United States.

UP:SS10.USG.10

Vocabulary

  • plurality representation
  • proportional representation
  • independent voter
  • party machine
  • disillusionment
  • congressional campaign committee
  • platform
  • two-party system
  • party realignment
  • third party

Knowledge

Students know:
  • How political party membership impacts the behavior of elected officials.
  • How political parties are organized in local, state, and national levels as well as the type of membership in parties.
  • How third parties impact the political process in America's two-party system.
  • How the presence of political parties in American government shape outcomes in the political process.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Differentiate between the different levels of political parties in both their organization and function.
  • Explain in mathematical concepts how plurality representation creates a two-party system as opposed to proportional representation.
  • Evaluate how political party actions over time have shaped political practices, political alignment, and voter behavior.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • The nature of the American two-party system, such as the role of third parties and regional strongholds of the two major parties, as well as how political parties operate on local, state, and national levels, greatly affects elections.

CR Resource Type

Learning Activity

Resource Provider

College Career & Civic Life (C3)

License Type

Custom
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