Political+Parties+and+Platforms

The following guides you through your internet assignment addressing political parties and the political spectrum. One can learn a lot about a candidate based on the party under which s/he is running. You will now be asked to learn a bit more about party platforms, and to compare a major and a minor party.

Turn to a new page in your notebook - Title the page "Political Parties and the Political Spectrum."

1. [|Read this Platform article]. As you read, take notes on: What is the purpose of a platform? How is a platform created? Note the general process. What types of issues are addressed in a platform? What is done with a platform?

2. Log into your TG Google Docs account.

3. Click here to access a template to fill out from the information you gather in #4. Click "FILE" and "Make a Copy" be sure to rename the file!!

4. Using the links provided, learn about how the **Republicans, Democrats and the third party you chose** the positions on the issues you selected held by the Republicans, Democrats, and the third party of your choice. Fill in the corresponding box on the chart for at least 5 issues identified in your chart for each party. (So, you will fill out at least 15 total squares in the chart. The order or topics are up to you & you do not need to fill the whole chart.) Republicans: [] Democrats: [] Communists: [] Libertarians: [] Constitution Party: [] Green Party: [] Tea Party: @http://www.teaparty-platform.com/

5. Print your grid, 3-hole punch it and put it into your notebook.

6. Which of the parties you learned about is more liberal? Conservative? Why do you believe so? Write your answer in your notebook.

7. [|From the list of political parties,] select one you have never heard of (and you did not already list them in your grid). What do they stand for? Where would you put them on the spectrum? Why?

8. Draw a political spectrum; include Liberal, Conservative, Left, Right, Moderate, and the parties you just learned about (use the information you learned about to determine where on the spectrum you think they should be placed).