1.3 Where Do I Stand?

Trump vs. Biden

Objective:

  • I will be able to compare and contrast the platforms of the presidential candidates and determine which candidate is right for me.

Some useful vocabulary:

  • Incumbent: A person currently holding a position, who is running for re-election. In 2020, Donald Trump is the incumbent president.

  • Platform: A statement of the positions a candidate or political party will promote if they are elected.

The candidates for president this election cycle are President Donald Trump, a Republican, and former Vice President Joe Biden, a Democrat. Trump is the incumbent, or the person currently holding the office who is running for reelection. While the election is an opportunity for voters to reward or punish the sitting president for their choices in office, both candidates reflect starkly different philosophies about government and policy programs.

Presidents are expected to make choices about a vast array of policies. Where you stand on them can help you make the choice for the candidate who best matches your views. Of course, you may have other reasons for supporting one reason or the other that don't have to do with policy. But it can be a good indicator of the right candidate for you.

Where do they stand?

Directions:

  1. Explore the website of candidates and issues.

  2. Select two issues to focus on and complete your workbook page 1.3 candidate platform sheet as you read.

Where Do I Stand?

Directions:

  1. Take a test offered by Encyclopedia Britannica about where you stand and which presidential candidate best matches your policies.They will ask you a ton of questions about policies you might not know anything about or that you haven't given much thought to! You should read more if you are interested, or reflect on your values from Unit 1 to help you decide. And don't be afraid to say you are unsure!

  2. In your workbook page 1.3, reflect on your results. Given what you know about where the candidates stand on the issues and your own values and reflection on leadership, who do you think you will support?