Political Party Project A party of order or stability, and a party of progress or reform, are both necessary elements of a healthy state of political life -- John Stuart Mill (1859) Which One of the Two Major Political Parties are you More Likely to Support? The purpose of this project is to help you to determine what the beliefs of the two dominate American political parties are. During the next two weeks you will research the platforms of the two major parties and formulate your own opinion on a variety of important political issues. You will then use your research to write an essay about what you have learned. Choosing five of the ten issues, write an essay with a body paragraph for each issue. Follow the Political Party Grade Formula at the end of this packet to structure your paper.
Party Definitions and the Political Spectrum Directions: In the table below, define each of the terms listed in the left-hand column. You may use either your government book or the online resources to complete the list. Be prepared to use these terms appropriately in classroom discussions and your own writing. Key Term Definition political party major party minor party partisanship bipartisan plurality party in power incumbent electorate
What Does Each Party Believe? What Do YOU Believe? Each of the major political parties has a specific belief on each of the issues listed below. Your assignment is to use the internet or other resources to determine the beliefs of each party. In the appropriate column, write the party s stance and list the source used to determine it. You must use at least five (5) different sources. In the final column, jot down your beliefs. They may be similar to one of the parties, they may be different than both parties, or they may be a combination of both. This worksheet a pre-writing assignment designed to help you prepare for your final persuasive paper. Each issue is worth 10 points for a total of 100 points. The Death Penalty
Abortion
Immigration
Same Sex Marriage
Taxes
Government Regulation of Business
The Environment
Gun Control
Health Care
War on Terrorism
Political Party Grading Formula Name: Reviewer: Introduction: (20 points possible-5 points each) Paper has a good opening/attention getter. Process of determining party is described in detail, not generalized. Five issues are listed in the introductory paragraph. Paragraph has a strong thesis or topic sentence. Issue #1: (15 points possible) Political party positions: Position is clearly and accurately stated in the opening sentence. Opposing party position is accurately stated in the paragraph. Supporting details: Each detail is clearly stated, supports the position. 1. 2. 3. Conclusion for this paragraph. Issue #2: (15 points possible) Political party positions: Position is clearly and accurately stated in the opening sentence. Opposing party position is accurately stated in the paragraph. Supporting details: Each detail is clearly stated, supports the position. 1. 2. 3. Conclusion for this paragraph. Issue #3: (15 points possible) Political party positions: Position is clearly and accurately stated in the opening sentence. Opposing party position is accurately stated in the paragraph. Supporting details: Each detail is clearly stated, supports the position. 1. 2. 3. Conclusion for this paragraph. Issue #4: (15 points possible) Political party positions: Position is clearly and accurately stated in the opening sentence. Opposing party position is accurately stated in the paragraph. Supporting details: Each detail is clearly stated, supports the position. 1. 2. 3. Conclusion for this paragraph.
Issue #5: (15 points possible) Political party positions: Position is clearly and accurately stated in the opening sentence. Opposing party position is accurately stated in the paragraph. Supporting details: Each detail is clearly stated, supports the position. 1. 2. 3. Conclusion for this paragraph. Conclusion: (15 points possible) Writer lists the five points as part of the summary. Wraps up the paper by explaining how the issues support the final decision. Conventions: (10 points possible-2 points each) Paper uses appropriate punctuation. Spelling is accurate (no mistakes). Avoids awkward sentences (i.e., run-on, fragments, etc.). Avoids use of the pronoun you and contractions. Capitalization is appropriate (i.e., Republican, Democrat). Formatting: Heading is single spaced with name and date turned in Double space after the heading and before the title, triple after the title. The paper is double spaced with standard margins (1 x 1.25 x 1 x 1.25). Title and section sub-titles are bold (not larger fonts). Title is centered. Font is 12 point Times New Roman. References: Paper cites at least three different sources (10 points possible) Sources are either paraphrased correctly or directly quoted (10 points possible) Section Totals: Introduction: /20 Issue #1: /15 Issue #2: /15 Issue #3: /15 Issue #4: /15 Issue #5: /15 Conclusion: /15 Conventions: /10 Formatting: /10 References: /20 TOTAL: /150