Name: ______Period: ______Date: ______

HW#3.1 – SHOULD VOTING BE COMPULSORY (REQUIRED)?

Directions: Read each argument and write (S) for those that support making voting compulsory and (O) for those that oppose it. Then, write a paragraph explaining your opinion on this issue, making sure that you reference 2-3 arguments from the list below and some examples of demographic data.

  1. ______Most democratic nations require citizens to do things that are in the public interest, such as paying taxes, sending children to school, and serving on a jury. Voting is just as important.
  1. ______People should have the right to refuse to participate in politics. Just as the right of free speech includes the right to be silent, the right to vote should include the right NOT to vote.
  1. ______There is evidence that compulsory voting increases voter participation among poor and less educated people. Having them participate will make sure government serves them too.
  1. ______If people know they will be fined for not voting, they will pay closer attention to the issues and go to the polls informed. This prevents elected government that is not representative.
  1. ______Forcing people to vote in what they believe are meaningless elections will lead to even more negative feelings about democracy. It also violates the principle of individual liberty.
  1. ______High rates of voter participation do not mean people have freedom or support government. Many authoritarian governments force people to vote and treat their people horribly.
  1. ______People who are required to vote will not be wise or informed voters. Also, people who are voting against their will may simply vote for a candidate at random because they do not care.
  1. ______Democracy is based on the idea that everyone participates and citizens are responsible for each other. If decisions are made by just a few, they will not truly represent the people.
  1. ______Democratically elected governments are more legitimate and representative when a high proportion of the population votes. All decisions must have the consent of the governed.
  1. ______Compulsory voting would require a huge, central database of citizen information. In today’s world, where computers reveal so much about a person, this is a threat to citizen privacy.
  1. ______Political parties will be able to focus more of their energy on educating people about their ideas and candidates instead of trying to convince them to vote.
  1. ______Low voter turnout may mean that voters are satisfied with the current system and see no need to change. There’s no reason for people to spend time voting if they don’t want change.

Do you support or oppose compulsory voting in the United States? ______

Now, turn this sheet over and write a paragraph explaining your position on this issue.

DO NOW:

Write a paragraph explaining your opinion on compulsory voting. Do you support or oppose it? Then, provide 2-3 arguments from this worksheet and some examples of demographic data for full credit.

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Name: ______Period: ______Date: ______

HW#3.2 – FUNCTIONS OF POLITICAL PARTIES

Directions: Read each of the scenarios to determine which of the three functions of political parties is being described and write it on the line provided.

ELECT CANDIDATES / PERSUADE VOTERS / CRITICIZE OTHER PARTY

  1. The Democratic Party is spending $5 million on an advertising campaign to inform the public about the party’s position on health care and the War in Iraq. These ads will be run on television, radio, and in newspapers across the country during the week before the election.

FUNCTION: ______

  1. The Republican Party interviews five people they think will do a good job as governor of the state of Maryland. These five people are asked questions about their lifestyle, past experience, belief in government, and vision for state government. The party will endorse only one of these people.

FUNCTION: ______

  1. The President wants a bill passed to lower income taxes. He thinks it will create new jobs. The Republicans agree taxes should be lowered, but do not agree with how the President’s plan does it. They have offered an alternative plan they believe will be more beneficial.

FUNCTION: ______

  1. During the 2004 Election, members of the College Republicans passed out flyers to students on campus. They also went around the local neighborhood knocking on doors to talk about the accomplishments of the Bush Administration, such as fighting terrorism.

FUNCTION: ______

  1. Former Vice President Dick Cheney has been speaking at events hosted by the Republican Party, as well as showing up in television interviews on CNN. He says Obama is weak on national security and put the nation at risk when he talked about closing our prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.

FUNCTION: ______

  1. The Democratic Party held several big fundraisers during the Obama campaign. One of them was a fancy dinner attended by Hollywood actors and actresses. In order to get a table at the event, each guest had to donate at least $10,000 to the Democratic National Committee.

FUNCTION: ______

  1. It is almost time to elect new members of Congress. In states where Democrats are struggling, it is likely that President Obama will fly there to attend political rallies and show his support. The hope is that his popularity makes them seem like a winner and help to beat their Republican challenger.

FUNCTION: ______

Name: ______Period: ______Date: ______

HW#3.3 – POLITICAL PARTY OR INTEREST GROUP

Directions: Read each scenario to determine whether it is describing the function of a political party or a special interest group. Then, explain how you knew on the lines provided.

POLITICAL PARTY = an organization that brings together people with similar views to elect candidates that will represent them

INTEREST GROUP = an organization with a very specific legislative goal and that lobbies members of Congress to get their way

  1. President Obama recently attended a rally for Senator Bob Casey from Pennsylvania. Casey is up for re-election next November and believes the support of the president might help him to win.

Political Party OR Interest Group: ______

How You Knew: ______

  1. Nearly 5,000 citizens took part in an organized letter-writing campaign last week. All of them wrote to Senator Barbara Mikulski urging her to vote against a government-run healthcare plan.

Political Party OR Interest Group: ______

How You Knew: ______

  1. Tom Daschle used to be a United States Senator, but he lost his re-election campaign in 2004. After he left office, he joined a firm in Washington that lobbies for hospitals and drug companies.

Political Party OR Interest Group: ______

How You Knew: ______

  1. A fundraising dinner for Senator John Kerry brought together 100 wealthy liberals in the Boston area last night. Each table reservation cost $5,000 that will be used to buy radio ads.

Political Party OR Interest Group: ______

How You Knew: ______

  1. Senator Cardin met yesterday with a representative from the Alliance to End Homelessness. He liked their presentation on employment and said he will support funding for their job program.

Political Party OR Interest Group: ______

How You Knew: ______

  1. A handful of Catholics passed out flyers to people leaving the mall this weekend. The brochure quoted the Bible on the right to life and listed candidates that supported a ban on abortion.

Political Party OR Interest Group: ______

How You Knew: ______

Directions: Read each statement and write “PP” if it describes a political party, “IG” if it describes a special interest group, or “B” if it describes both (hint: there is only one B in this activity).

  1. ______Focus on one issue
  1. ______Nominate candidates
  1. ______Lobby elected officials
  1. ______Address many issues
  1. ______Raise campaign money
  1. ______Employ professional lobbyists
  1. ______Vote for candidates who favor their views
  1. In the space below, draw a car and create 5 bumper stickers for either a political party or interest group. Make sure you label what each represents using the letters PP or IG.

Is this car driven by a liberal Democrat or a conservative Republican? ______

Name: ______Period: ______Date: ______

HW#3.4 – WRITING TO CONGRESS (LOBBYING STRATEGY)

Directions: Read the sample letter below. Then, use the space at the bottom of this worksheet to write down what you think the author has done well and what suggestions you have for improvement.

Pam Beasley

137 Lombard Street

Baltimore, MD 21230

July 13, 2009

Dear Senator Joe,

My grandmother and I have a very close relationship. We have spent a lot of time together. In fact, I see her almost every day. When I visit her, I get really sad because she doesn’t always feel well. She has to take lots of medications and stuff. That stinks.

So anyway, I guess what I’m saying is that her medications are really expensive. She sometimes tells me how expensive they are, and they are REALLY EXPENSIVE!!!

It seems like—you being a Senator and all—you could probably do something about this. What do you say?

Can you make her medications less expensive? I would really appreciate that.

Sincerely,

Pam

PLEASE BE SPECIFIC AND CONSTRUCTIVE WITH YOUR FEEDBACK:

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

EXTENSION – AN INTEREST GROUP IN ACTION

Directions: Read this actual lobbying letter and answer the questions on the lines provided.

Dear Citizen:

We need your help to pass a new law regulating the treatment of animals before slaughter. As you know, some farmers and slaughterhouse operators in the United States treat animals cruelly. While being raised some animals, such as calves, are often crowded into small cages with no room to move around or exercise, so that their meat remains tender. When being shipped, they are so tightly packed into trucks that many die before arriving at the slaughterhouse. Cages at the slaughterhouses are rarely cleaned so animals have to lie in their own filth while awaiting their deaths.

We think a federal law that better regulates farms, slaughterhouses, and transportation companies and that provides for the hiring of 1000 new federal inspectors will help prevent this cruel treatment of animals. We are very close to having this bill become law as the House of Representatives has already passed the version we support. But, in order for the bill to become law, the Senate must approve it and the president must sign it. Many Senators and the President have received phone calls from a small group called Taxpayers Against Wasteful Spending, asking that the law be defeated. We must respond! Call, write, or email your U.S. Senators and the President immediately to let them know that you want this bill passed.

If we animal lovers do not make our voices heard, the United States Senate may bow to pressure and fail to approve this bill. Even if the Senate passes the bill, the President can still veto it. Remember, we are 2 million members STRONG. We live in all 50 states and our concerns do make a difference!!!

Sincerely,

Pat Clifford, Executive Director

People for the Humane Treatment of Animals

  1. What issue is this interest group concerned about? ______
  1. What would the legislation they are supporting do? ______

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  1. What interest group in lobbying against the legislation? ______

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  1. What kinds of lobbying does the interest group want members to do? ______

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  1. Who is the professional lobbyist in this letter? How do you know? ______

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  1. Do you think is letter is effective? Why or why not? ______

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THE UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING – HB 1703

Directions: Read this legislative brief before filling out the worksheet that accompanies this one. You will need to analyze the several conflicting interests on this issue before making a decision.

INTRODUCTION:

You are on the staff of a new member in the United States House of Representatives. However, you have worked on Capitol Hill for several years and understand how the legislative process works.

This bill would make it illegal for anyone except police officers to carry a handgun.

A member of your political party introduced this bill, and the Congresswoman needs help deciding what to do. Read the background and explain how you will advise your member of Congress to vote.

BACKGROUND:

1. Your Congresswoman’s Views:

In the past, as a private citizen, your representative has been against laws that restrict gun ownership. She owns several guns and enjoys using them for target practice and deer hunting. But now she is a politician and the opinions of voters in her district are important because she wants to win re-election.

2. Constituents’ Views:

Your office has received a great deal of mail on this issue. The staff has compiled a report summarizing the opinions expressed by constituents (the people your Congresswoman represents):

Letters Supporting Bill / Letters Opposing Bill
Total / 1,556 / 1,133
Percentage Total / 58% / 42%

3. Political Party’s Views:

There has been a lot of debate, yet most of the members of her party are planning to vote for the gun control bill because Democrats believe public safety is important. Her fellow Democrats worked hard to help the Congresswoman get elected and expect her to show her loyalty by voting with them. If she does not vote with them, they might be unwilling to support her proposals in the future.

4. The President’s Views:

The President is a close friend of the Congresswoman and in same political party. He disagrees with the party on this issue. Not only is the President a hunter, but also his niece and her husband were victims of a car jacking that might have been prevented if the couple had been carrying a weapon to defend themselves. The President is popular and personally called the Congresswoman about this.

5. Interest Groups:

Coalition to End Gun Violence (CEGV):

One interest group, the Coalition to End Gun Violence (CEGV), has sent some lobbyists to speak with you. The CEGV wants her to VOTEFOR the bill. The group has presented the following arguments:

  1. Having guns in the home is a constant danger to those who possess them. They often lead to fatal accidents and murders, especially when children are in the house.
  1. This bill does not prevent hunters from owning rifles for hunting purposes.
  1. The Supreme Court has ruled that Congress could pass gun-control laws. The 2nd Amendment gives people a right to establish “militias” but not necessarily the right to own any gun they want.
  1. The ownership of handguns is poor protection against robbery, rape, and other violent crimes. An experienced criminal can shoot you before you shoot him or her.
  1. CEGV generously supplied 20 volunteers to help you with your door-to-door campaigning in the last four weeks of the election. It typically does this for all candidates from your political party.

The National Rifle Association (NRA):

Another interest group, the National Rifle Association (NRA), has sent professional lobbyists to pressure the Congresswoman to VOTEAGAINST the bill. They have presented the following arguments:

  1. Despite what the Supreme Court has said, this bill takes a way a citizen’s “right to bear arms” as guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment. Every citizen has a right to own a gun for self-defense.
  1. Criminals will always be able to get handguns in illegal ways. In fact, knowing that citizens are now defenseless will only make criminals more willing and able to hurt them.
  1. If this bill is passed, it may lead to other laws that will ban rifles and other hunting equipment. This is the “slippery slope” argument.
  1. The NRA has generously donated over $500,000 to members of your political party in Maryland (including the Congresswoman) during the past two years. This helped buy valuable TV ads.

USE THIS INFORMATION TO COMPLETE THE WORKSHEET, MAKE A DECISION, AND WRITE YOUR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CONGRESSWOMAN

Name: ______Period: ______Date: ______

HW#3.5 – WHO DO YOU LISTEN TO MOST?

Directions: Rank how each of these factors should influence your Congresswoman’s decision. The factor she should listen to most will be ranked #1 while the factor she should listen to the least will be #6. Also, provide 2-3 sentences that explain your reason for each ranking in the space provided.

______A. The Congresswoman’s Personal Views

Explanation:

______B. Constituent Views (The People You Represent)

Explanation:

______C. Political Party’s Views

Explanation:

______D. The President’s Views

Explanation:

______E. Interest Group Views (Coalition to End Gun Violence)

Explanation:

______F. Interest Group Views (National Rifle Association)

Explanation:

* TURN THIS OVER TO WRITE YOUR FINAL POLICY RECOMMENDATION *

YOUR POLICY RECOMMENDATION:

Your experience as a congressional aide and your knowledge of the legislative process are valuable to the Congresswoman. She has asked for your advice on how she should vote on this bill.

This bill would make it illegal for anyone except police officers to carry a handgun.

  • Who or what should influence the Congresswoman’s decision the most? Why?
  • What are the consequences of voting “yes” or “no”? What do you stand to gain or lose?
  • In your opinion, how should the Congresswoman vote on HB 1703?

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Name: ______Period: ______Date: ______

HW#3.6 – MEDIA AND ELECTIONS

Directions: Read through the following article and answer the questions at the bottom of the sheet. Then, analyze the political cartoon on the back of this sheet.