Political Parties
Research Project
When registering to vote, potential voters are asked to decide which of the political
parties they will join or if they will register as ‘not a member of a party’.
Working in groups, you are to analyze a political party recognized by the State of Oregon
and make a poster and presentation about that political party. You do not have to
disclose your personal preference, nor do you have to research the party you endorse
personally.
The list of parties you have to choose from are – Republican Party, Democratic Party,
Constitution Party, Libertarian Party, Pacific Green Party, Independent Party, Progressive
Party and Working Families Party. For information on these parties please check out
their respective websites. (Use your favorite search engine.)
Each group will create –
1. a poster
2. presentation of poster (Note: Your presentation should appear sincere and
genuine even if the party’s positions differ from your own.)
The poster will consist of –
a. consequence of registering to vote – ‘not a member of a party’; minimum
250-word essay
b. 250 word historical background essay about the party (Profile/essay should
contain such info as when your party was founded, who founded it, the
principles upon which it was founded, its degree of political success over the
years, whether it is currently fielding candidates for office and any other info
you feel important to add.)
c. 250-word essay of the party’s philosophy regarding the role of government in
American lives
d. description of the party’s position on five major issues
1.
2.
3.
4. _______________
5. _______________
e. produce a graphic representation of the party including its slogan and mascot
and a 250-word description of said mascot , slogan and any other graphic
representation you choose to include
f. photos of party members and a total of 250-words identifying the party
members
g. production of an original political cartoon focusing on one issue either to
explain your party's position on an issue of making fun of at least one of the
other party's position on an issue and 200-word explanation of your party's
position on the issue and explanation of the cartoon.
h. Hard copy of an article dealing with your party or one of its representatives
and a 250-word summary and reaction to that article
Feel free to add to your visuals anything else that enhances your project and its
presentation.
Project will be accomplished in groups of 3 or 4 with each member being responsible for
an equal amount of the project.
Due dates –
Value: 40 points for the written part of the project and 20 points for the presentation