Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Congressional Decisions/Crash Course Government & Politics

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

12

Overview

In this episode, we talk about the three motivating factors of congressional decisions: constituency, interest groups, and political parties. We'll break down how each of these factors motivates certain actions like case work, public opinion polls, and logrolling.

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

    SS10.USG.7

    Describe the process of local, state, and national elections, including the organization, role, and constituency of political parties. (Alabama)

    Unpacked Content

    UP:SS10.USG.7

    Vocabulary

    • primary
    • gerrymandering
    • Electoral College
    • soft money
    • hard money
    • reapportionment
    • redistricting
    • "Get Out the Vote"
    • gubernatorial
    • caucus
    • party convention
    • political party
    • census
    • public financing

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • The process by which elections are carried out in state, local, and national elections.
    • The process by which state legislatures create and adjust congressional districts.
    • The major rules and regulations surrounding how candidates receive and spend campaign funds.
    • The methods and goals of political parties in appealing to various populations as a means of ensuring voter turnout.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Organize components of the election process into chronological order, including primary elections.
    • Analyze state maps to assess the impact of redistricting.
    • Analyze tables, graphs, and charts to assess voter turnout and impact of.
    • Compare historical maps of state district lines and Electoral College outcomes to identify differences and shifts over time.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • The election process differs amongst office and level of government as well as how campaign spending, political parties, voter turnout, and redistricting can influence the outcome.
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Audio/Video

    Resource Provider

    PBS
    Accessibility
    License
    ALSDE LOGO