Using NewsHour Extra Feature Stories
STORY
Super PACs Heat Up 2012 Elections
01/26/2012
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/world/jan-june12/pacs_01-26.html
Estimated Time: One 45-minute class period with possible extension
Student Worksheet (reading comprehension and discussion questions without answers)
PROCEDURE
1. WARM UP
Use initiating questions to introduce the topic and find out how much your students know.
2. MAIN ACTIVITY
Have students read NewsHour Extra's feature story and answer the reading comprehension and discussion questions on
the student handout.
3. DISCUSSION
Use discussion questions to encourage students to think about how the issues outlined in the story affect their lives and
express and debate different opinions.]
INITIATING QUESTIONS
1. What kinds of things would a presidential candidate need money for in order to field a campaign?
2. Where do candidates get the money for their campaigns?
3. What do you know about the 2012 presidential campaign?
READING COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS – Student Worksheet
1. What is the formal name for Super PACs?
Independent Expenditure Only committees
2. What is the name of comedian Jon Stewart’s Super PAC?
“The Definitely Not Coordinating With Stephen Colbert Super PAC.”
3. In what year was the Campaign Finance Reform Act passed?
1971
4. On what date did the Supreme Court rule in the Citizens United case?
Jan. 21, 2010
5. How much money was spent in the 1976 presidential race?
$67 million
6. What is the maximum amount of money that an individual may contribute to a campaign?
$2500
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (more research might be needed)
1. Do you think the Supreme Court made the right decision in the Citizens United case? Why or why
not?
2. What are Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart making fun of with “The Definitely Not Coordinating
With Stephen Colbert Super PAC?” What does that point out about Super PACs?
3. Why do you think both Romney and Gingrich spoke out against Super PACs even though both of
their campaigns have benefited from them?
Extension Activity
Have students write a 300-500 word essay on this topic providing clear examples. Send your completed
editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/
2
Using NewsHour Extra Feature Stories
STORY
Super PACs Heat Up 2012 Elections
01/26/2012
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/world/jan-june12/pacs_01-26.html
READING COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS – Student Worksheet
1. What is the formal name for Super PACs?
2. What is the name of comedian Jon Stewart’s Super PAC?
3. In what year was the Campaign Finance Reform Act passed?
4. On what date did the Supreme Court rule in the Citizens United case?
5. How much money was spent in the 1976 presidential race?
6. What is the maximum amount of money that an individual may contribute to a campaign?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (more research might be needed)
1. Do you think the Supreme Court made the right decision in the Citizens United case? Why or why
not?
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/
1
2. What are Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart making fun of with “The Definitely Not Coordinating
With Stephen Colbert Super PAC?” What does that point out about Super PACs?
3. Why do you think both Romney and Gingrich spoke out against Super PACs even though both of
their campaigns have benefited from them?
Extension Activity
Have students write a 300-500 word essay on this topic providing clear examples. Send your completed
editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/
2