Part Three – Section C
Electing America’s President
"My station is new; and, if I may use the expression, I walk on untrodden
ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter
be drawn into precedent." -- George Washington in a letter to Catherine
Macaulay Graham, January 9, 1790
follow.
presidency.
As the first President of the United States, George Washington did, in fact,
"walk on untrodden ground." There was neither "president" nor "precedent" for him to
Each of his actions as chief executive marked the first steps toward shaping the American
But the one precedent that Washington did not set was how to campaign against an opponent. He ran for office
virtually unopposed. Compared to today's presidential candidates, George Washington had it easy. The biggest
effort of the first presidential election in 1788 was to convince George Washington to serve in the new nation's
highest public office. The citizens wanted no other leader than George Washington.
Today's presidential candidates battle for the presidency in a fast-paced campaign that takes them all over the
United States, and they and their families must deal with intense media coverage that makes their names and
faces very familiar by Election Day.
What will you need to do?
You will need to create a political commercial with a team from your Civics class. The video will:
1. Last one (1) minute;
2. Inform viewers of your candidate’s position on an assigned topic using a minimum of two
advertising techniques.
What items will my group need to turn in and when?
Item
Identify Key Position of Candidates
Research Responsibilities
Research Outline
Type of Campaign Advertising to be used (Identify 2)
Storyboard
Script
Final Video on CD
Reflective Essay
Combined Bibliography
Cover letter to candidate
Evaluation:
See attached rubrics for specific requirements.
Due Date
Resources:
Map of Virginia Voting Districts
Below the link will take you to a map of current Virginia Congressional Voting Districts.
http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/pdf/congdist/pagecgd109_va2.pdf
Fairfax County Senate Districts
Below you will find a link to a map of Fairfax County Senate Districts.
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/maps/images/maps/handouts/pdf07/SenateDistricts.pdf
Fairfax County Congressional Voting Districts
Below you will find a link to a map of Congressional Voting Districts in Fairfax County.
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/maps/images/maps/handouts/pdf07/CongressionalDistricts.pdf
Presidential Campaign Images
Presidential Campaign Images (27.5 Kb)
Presidential campaign images (1836-1908) provided by the Library of Congress.
http://millercenter.org/academic/americanpresident/
http://www.firstladies.org/index.htm
http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/P/
http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/herblock/cartoon.html
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/features/election/index2.html
http://cha.house.gov/
http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/about.html
http://www.rogers.k12.ar.us/users/jpatton/webquests/politics.html
http://www.primarysourcelearning.org/teach/lq/008/index.htm
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/
http://www.sourcewatch.org/
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/election/teaching-methods
http://www.education-world.com
http://www.scholastic.com
http://www.votesmart.org/index.htm
http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/cms/Index.html
http://www.johnmccain.com/
http://www.gopconvention2008.com/default.aspx
http://www.barackobama.com/index.php
http://www.demconvention.com/?gclid=CNe9uaCy-ZQCFQsiIgodXHK2qw
http://www.democrats.org/ObamaSplash.html
http://www.rnc.org/
Video Commercial Project Rubric
Beginner: 1 point
Novice: 2 Points
Intermediate: 3
points
Understanding
the Problem –
Researching
and Gathering
Information
Lacks understanding of
the problem – is unable
to move on without a
complete explanation
and restatement from
the instructor.
The problem is
restated in his/her
own words and/or
pictures, diagrams,
charts, equations, etc.
without key concepts.
The problem is restated
in his/her own words
and/or pictures,
diagrams, charts,
equations, etc. with some
missing details.
Thoroughly restated the
problem in his/her own
words and/or pictures,
diagrams, charts,
equations, etc.
Devising the
Plan
Brainstormed only one
strategy, required
assistance to evaluate
the strategy or is
missing key steps to
solving the problem.
Brainstormed a few
strategies but needs
assistance to
formulate a strategy or
a set of complete
steps to solve the
problem OR strategy
and/or steps are
inconsistent or
incomplete.
Solved given problem
without working
through any details.
Brainstormed a few
strategies, decided on
one strategy that would
be most effective OR
brainstormed a few
strategies and decided
on a set of steps that
were incomplete or
inconsistent.
Brainstormed many
strategies, decided on one
strategy that would be
most effective OR
brainstormed many
strategies decided on a set
of steps that would resolve
the problem thoroughly.
Solved given problem
appropriately with some
details covered with
original or modified plan.
Limited evaluation of
solution without
assistance and
compared solution to
the problem. Limited
application to other
work solutions.
Students need help to
research and write a
script. There is a
storyboard that is
adhered to during
production.
Compared actual and
expected results, missing
suggested modification
or applications to other
work situations or did not
design own evaluations
criteria.
Students research and
write a compelling and
creative script. The
storyboard is drawn
carefully with shot
compositions included.
The final production
has some technical
errors. Equipment is
not always cared for
properly. The set
design and shot
composition
somewhat enhance
the topic
Video uses factual,
but confusing
information. It gives
an understanding of
the candidate's
promises, but is not
necessarily targeted
for the classroom
audience.
Works with others, but
has difficulty sharing
decisions and
responsibilities.
The final production is
free of technical errors.
Equipment is used
effectively and usually
stored properly. The set
design and shot
composition enhance the
topic.
Solved given problem
appropriately with all
details thoroughly covered
with original or modified
plan.
Compared actual and
expected results and
suggested other
modifications or
applications for other work
situations and designed
own evaluation criteria.
Students research
independently and write a
compelling and creative
script. The storyboard is
drawn carefully with set
design and shot
compositions included.
The final production is free
of technical errors.
Equipment is carefully
cared for, respected, and
always stored properly.
The set design and shot
composition enhance the
topic.
Carrying out
the Plan
Problem
Reflection
Planning
Research,
Storyboarding
- Verbal,
Visual,
Logical,
Intrapersonal
Production
The technical
use of video
equipment, set
design, and
shot
composition Kinesthetic,
Visual
Content
Topic of the
presentation Verbal, Visual,
Existential
Attempted to solve the
given problem without
working through details
OR solved a different
problem than given.
Required assistance to
evaluate solutions and
could not suggest
applications to other
work solutions.
Students need help to
research and write a
script. The storyboard
does not match the final
production.
The final production has
technical errors.
Equipment is not cared
for properly. It looks like
no thought is put into
set design or shot
composition.
Video is confusing and
difficult to understand.
Candidate's promises
are discussed but not at
all compelling to watch.
Participation
Individual and
groups work Interpersonal
Cannot work with
others in most
situations. Cannot
share decisions or
responsibilities.
Oral
Presentation
Skills - Verbal
Great difficulty
communicating ideas.
Poor voice projection.
Little preparation or
incomplete work.
Scale: 30 - 36=Expert
Video uses factual
information that is
compelling to watch.
Dialogue gives a clear
understanding of the
candidate and his
promises to the American
people.
Works well with others.
Takes part in most
decisions and contributes
fair share to group.
Some difficulty
Communicates ideas
communicating ideas,
with proper voice
due to voice
projection. Adequate
projection, lack of
preparation and delivery.
preparation, or
incomplete work
23 - 29=Intermediate
16 - 22=Novice 9 15=Beginner
Expert:4 points
Group
Evaluation
Teacher
Evaluation
0
0
Video uses factual
information that is
compelling to watch and
presented in a creative
manner. Dialogue gives a
clear understanding of the
candidate and his
promises to the American
people.
Works well with others.
Assumes a clear role and
related responsibilities.
Motivates others to do their
best.
Communicates ideas with
enthusiasm, proper voice
projection, appropriate
language, and clear
delivery.
Total Points
Reflective Writing Rubric
6
5
4
3
2
1
Clear,
detailed
Clear − in
need of
details
Not always
clear −
reader left
with
questions
Just coming
together, still
fuzzy
No main
idea yet
A perfect
fit with
topic,
Organization
purpose,
audience
Works with
topic,
purpose
audience
Mostly on
tract − some
meandering
Sometimes
confusing,
formulaic,
tough to
follow
Too
formulaic,
confusing,
hard to
follow
Random
thoughts
Lively,
energetic −
individual
Voice
as
fingerprint
Accurate,
striking,
original −
Word Choice sometimes
quotable
Ready to
share aloud
Distinctive
− share −
aloud
moments
Functional,
sincere − not
ready to
share aloud
Missing or
inappropriat
e for topic,
audience
Strong
verbs,
original
phrasing
outweigh
vague
language
Smooth,
Mostly
easy to read, smooth −
full of
some
variety
bumpy
moments
Mostly
Many
correct,
strengths −
needing
needs
minor
editing
touch-ups
Vague
language
outweighs
strong verbs,
originality,
precision
Faint, hard to
hear − does
not fit
audience,
purpose
Vague,
inaccurate,
needing
strong verbs
Tough to
read aloud −
even with
rehearsal
Many
problems −
challenging
to untangle
sentences
Numerous
errors −
needs wordby-word
editing
Ideas
Sentence
Fluency
Clear,
focused,
detailed,
interesting
Smooth,
easy to
read with
expression
Correct,
controlled
− no
Conventions
editing
needed
Clear
original −
filled with
lively verbs
Score:
Choppiness,
run-ons
rehearsal
needed to
read aloud
Errors slow
reader down
Strong
moments
hard to spot
− need lineby-line
editing
Vague,
confusing −
clichés or
first
thoughts
Score
The Topics and the Candidate’s Position
TOPIC
Candidate 
Economic
stimulus
Education
Energy
Environment
Free trade
Gun Control
Health care
Homeland
security
Housing
Immigration
Iran
Iraq
Social Security
Taxes