Mixed Bag
What type of government does the U.S. have?
representative democracy aka republic
Explain how this is possible: A presidential candidate can win the popular vote, but lose the election.
(the electoral college)
How old do you have to be to vote in federal elections?
(18)
True or False: It costs a lot of money to run a campaign.
What is the mascot and color for democrats? Mascot and color for Republicans?
Democrats-donkey and blue
Republican- elephant and red
Name 2 out of the 4 purposes of government
Make laws, Keep order (enforce the laws), provide security (protect), provide services (help citizens)
How many votes does a candidate need to win the electoral college?
(270)
Before being able to vote, a person must be at least 18, be a citizen, and ___________ (officially enroll wherever you are a resident)
register
What is the definition of a party platform?
(set of beliefs by a political party)
Which political party? Right, conservative, GOP
Bonus- what does GOP stand for?
Republican
Grand Old Party
What are 3 different ways in which you can combat fake news?
AND Bonus-list one type of media bias
(check your sources and urls, find reliable websites, check the "about us", check for red flags (spelling errors), use fact checking websites)
Media bias- Spin ○ Unsubstantiated Claims ○ Opinion Statements Presented as Fact ○ Sensationalism ○ Slant ○ Bias by Omission ○ Bias by Placement ○ Story Choice ○ Subjective Qualifying Adjectives ○ Word Choice
What is one benefit of the electoral college?
(can’t ignore smaller states)
Do you need to register in MA with a particular political party? Explain.
(no you can be unenrolled)
BONUS QUESTION
What are the 3 requirements to be a president?
(35, natural born, 14 year resident)
BONUS QUESTION
What is a third party?
(not one of the major political parties)
What are the 3 levels of government? Make a pyramid to show them in order
Federal, State, Local
What is one disadvantage of having the electoral college?
(you can win more votes, but still lose)
What does it mean to be a SWING state?
(doesn’t typically vote blue or red)
What is a primary election?
(Primary elections are a process by which voters can indicate their preference for their party's candidate, or a candidate in general, in an upcoming general election)
What does it mean to be independent?
not part of a political party
What are the 3 branches of government and function of each (related to laws)?
Executive- enforce laws
Legislative- makes laws
Judicial- interprets laws
Formulate a thesis statement: Should we have the electoral college?
Thesis statement should be 1 sentence, have one claim, and 3 arguments. Answers will vary.
Formulate a thesis statement: Why should people exercise their right to vote?
Thesis statements should be 1 sentence long, have a claim, and 3 arguments.
Where is the presidential nominee for each party announced?
(national convention)
What is one of the major differences between liberals and conservatives?
Liberals: Believe in government-funded programs to provide support for people in need, programs to promote social good and greater freedom in political and religious matters. (LEFT WING)
Conservatives: Believe in personal responsibility, less government spending on social programs, less government regulation in business, and a strong national defense. (RIGHT WING)
BONUS QUESTION