Unit 2

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT – UNIT 2

FRI 9/2 – What are the 5 important functions performed by parties in American politics?

TUES 9/6 - Describe the two party system in U.S. politics - Which of the 5 political spectrums do you feel you belong to? Give at least two reasons for your answer. Due WED 9/7

WED 9/7 - Explain the impact that minor parties have had on our history. How are the major parties organized? - Identify the national voting qualifications and the historical problems with voting

THURS 9/8 - Analyze why people vote and don’t vote, and why they vote the way they do.

FRI 9/9 – Explain how the election process works.

MON 9/12 – Examine the concept of public opinion and its place in a democracy. - How to measure public opinion.

TUES 9/13 - Analyze how the media impacts our lives and how it has changed over the years. Pick a major issue (not sports, entertainment etc.) in the news today. Find one article that supports each side of the issue and briefly describe the article and tell which side you support and why. Due WED 9/14

WED 9/14 – Describe how interest groups affect all levels of government.

THURS 9/15 – Wrap up and Review

FRI 9/16 - Test – ESSAY – What do you feel is the biggest problem facing our federal government today? Give two reasons why you think it is important and one possible solution to the problem.

Study questions and terms - coattail effect, lobbying, ballot fatigue, straight-ticket voting, open primary, pressure groups, FEC, Amendments 15,19,26, literacy tests, poll taxes, closed primary, run-off primary, PACs, bandwagon approach, precinct

SHORT ANSWER

List 5 functions of political parties.

List 7 reasons why we choose for whom we vote.

List 5 basic steps of scientific poll-taking.

List 4 criticisms of special interest groups.

List 5 special interest groups

List 6 sources of campaign-financing

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the 2 party system, the multiparty system, and the one party system.

List two types of minor parties and two ways minor parties have influenced American politics.