Each class is divided into two groups each representing a political party. During the class students devise campaign speeches and political advertisements based on their party’s political platform. Every class will be divided into a Y political party and a Z political party. Each party will have 5 Y candidates and 5 Z candidates.

To narrow down the field of candidates we will have a mock primary. It is understood that each person holds different political beliefs; however, for the sake of this mock election process you should promote your political candidate and the party’s beliefs and try to convince the other participants that your candidate should win on Primary Election Day.

Y Political Party Platform Z Political Party Platform

Private ownership of healthcare Supports universal healthcare

Supports reduction of taxes Increase in taxes & government

and government services services

Supports 2nd amendment right to bear arms Supports limits to right to bear arms

Not supportive of privacy legislation Supports privacy legislation

Traditionally supported by big business Traditionally supported by labor groups

Each candidate may also devise questions on the following issues:

• Education (College education & funding, etc.)

• Economy (income taxes, military spending, etc.)

• Health Insurance (universal, etc.)

• Privacy

• Foreign Policy (Russia, China, etc.)

• Immigration

• Second Amendment

POLITICAL PARTIES

Political Parties are organizations that mobilize voters on behalf of a common set of interests, concerns, and goals. In many nations, parties play a crucial role in the democratic process. They formulate political and policy agendas, select candidates, conduct election campaigns, and monitor the work of their elected representatives. Political parties link citizens and the government, providing a means by which people can have a voice in their government. (Encarta, 2003)