~ “Political Identity” Assignment ~

What are we doing? The point of this assignment is for you to

explore who you are politically, and to help you define where you

stand on major issues. When it’s all said and done, my hope is

that you have a better sense of your own political identity.

However you decide to vote, be it Democrat, Republican,

Green, Libertarian, etc., you will hopefully, have found the

party that most closely reflects your own beliefs.

THE PAPER (45 pts.)

Take careful notes as I present the information on the Political Issues List. When we have talked through the issues as a class, you will write a paper defining your “Political Identity”. Please follow these guidelines as you work your way through the paper:

  1. The Issues: write at least one paragraph about each of the issues. Tell me where you stand on each issue and if it is of major importance, or minor importance to you.
  2. Your Parents: Talk to your parents and find out which party they are most closely aligned with. Include in your paper if your political identity is the same, somewhat similar, or different from your parents. Be sure to give a solid explanation of how your parents’ political views align (or don’t align) with your own.
  3. Your Political Socialization: Based on our discussions and the section in chapter 6 of your text book, describe how you were politically socialized. What factors had the greatest impact on your political beliefs and attitudes?
  4. The American Voter: Chapter 6 of your textbook describes 4 basic types of voters, Ideologues, Group Benefit Voters, Nature of the Times Voters, and No Issue Content Voters. Based on your discussion with your parents where would you place them? Explain. Where do you think you will end up? Explain.
  5. Your Party:Include your final decision about what party you would register with and why. If you will remain independent, explain why.
  6. Label Yourself: Finally, using all the political knowledge you’ve accumulated in 18 or so years of life, give yourself an accurate political label. It can be as long or short, serious or humorous, creative or standard, as you like. But make extra certain that it’s accurate!

THE FINAL WORD

Your paper is due ______

THE ISSUES

  1. Affirmative Action
  1. Welfare/Poverty
  1. Gun Control
  1. Abortion
  1. Taxes
  1. Health Care/Medicare
  1. Education
  1. The Environment
  1. Censorship/ Freedom of Speech
  1. Crime/ The Justice System
  1. Assisted Suicide
  1. The Budget/ The Economy
  1. National Defense/ Terrorism
  1. Gay Rights
  1. America’s Global Role/ Foreign Policy
  1. Illegal Drugs
  1. Immigration
  1. Social Security
  1. Internet Speech /Privacy
  1. Medical Stem Cell Research