Lesson on Monday, January 28, 2018

Aim: What are the four functions performed by parties in democratic government?

Bell Ringer: Review Journal 42 (5 min)

Objectives:

8.1 Define political party and list the functions performed by parties in democratic government

Agenda:

1. Journal 43 - If you could change anything at all about politics - the process of governance - what would it be, and what kinds of effects would that change make to the world? (10 min)

2. Nominating Candidates, Structuring the Voting Choice, Proposing Alternative Government Programs, Coordinating the Actions of Government officials.

3. Political Parties: Crash Course https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEmOUHxessE (10 min)

Journal 44 - Three reasons why we have political parties, according to Crash Course.

Journal 45 - What are primary, general, and presidential elections? Discuss the difference (4:20)

4. Form small groups. Ask each group to develop a three-point platform for a new political party. They should also develop an action plan for getting ballot status for their party (using information in their text). Give groups about twenty minutes; then reconvene the class. Ask for group reports to answer the following: Did your group have an easy or difficult time creating a platform? Why? What were the key elements of your new party’s action plan? What difficulties did you foresee as you developed your platform and action plan? What changes might make it easier for third parties to gain competitive status? Should third parties have an easier time, or is it best to retain a strong two-party system? (rest of class) 


Home Learning:

1. UNIT 3 EXAM PART 1: Tuesday, January 30, 2018

2. How Did the U.S. End Up With a Two-Party System?
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7JBXja7SAY