Comparing the Candidates

Primary Candidates and Presidential Announcements

Key Question: Evaluate the way each candidate approaches their presidential campaign announcement and stump speech.

Culminating Assessment: OPTION #1: Respond to two of the following questions:

• Is there a common structure to the announcement or stump speech? Types of introductions? Tag lines/slogans? Music? Significance of the place they announce their candidacy?

• What are common topics being discussed in each of their announcements or stump speeches?

• Identify the target audience (i.e. region, gender, party vs. general population, etc.) Explain what indicates that this is the candidate’s target audience.

• In your opinion, which qualities make them viable as Presidential candidates?

• Compare and contrast historical announcements or stump speeches with the current ones.

Culminating Assessment: OPTION #2: How would you announce your candidacy?:

• Choose a date: Be mindful of the date you select to ensure the best media exposure. Consider major events, holidays, and other potential conflicts.

• Create a theme and overall message: Why are you running for this office? What are the important issues in your campaign? What sets you apart? How has your background inspired you? Create a marketable slogan.

• Select a location to announce: It should relate to your message and be relevant to your campaign. Choose the background carefully. Consider that this is a significant opportunity for you to connect with your audience.

• Choose your guests: Who would you want to introduce you and why? Would you have performers, if so who would they be? Who else would you want to be in attendance (key figures, major organizations, associations, clubs, press)?

• Choose your music: What song would you want to be played as you enter? What song would you want to play as you exit? How do these song choices tie in with your theme and message? 

Qualifications and Characteristics of Candidates

Key Question: What qualifications and factors do voters see as important in presidential elections?

Demographics and the Candidates

Key Question: What role have race, gender, age and religion played in presidential elections?

Culminating Assessment: Have students create a timeline of historical events relating to age, race, gender and religion in politics, then discuss progress and areas where we still need to improve.

• Research other minorities and women who have run for office. How was their path similar or dissimilar to the examples provided above?

• Explain the meaning of the phrase, the separation of church and state, as it pertains to religion in America.

• Does a candidate's religious beliefs and expression of those beliefs, affect your personal views of the candidate? How could their expression make them more of a viable candidate? How could it hurt their campaign?

• Is a candidate's religion an important issue for you as a voter? Why or why not?