Ms. Kelly / Language Arts 8
Do Now: Current Events
U.S. Presidential Elections / Republicans vs. Democrats
Source:
https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/usgovernmentandlaw/politicalpartie
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s://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/usgovernmentandlaw/politicalparties/q
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The Democratic and Republican parties are the two major political parties
in the United States. Here are some of the basic differences between the
two, although you should always remember that people who describe
themselves as either Republican or Democrat don't necessarily have all the
same beliefs. They may subscribe to only some of their party’s core beliefs,
and can even agree with many of the things that characterize the opposing
party!
For the last 100 years, the Democrats have tended to be the more leftleaning or liberal party in U.S. government. That means that Democrats
tend to support the ideas of equal rights and opportunities for the working
and lower classes, as well as the right to civil liberties that protect
individuals from the government's interference. Democrats generally
believe that government should play a role in making sure all citizens are
well cared for, even if it means creating taxes-fees that all citizens pay-to
make possible programs that benefit those who are in need. In general,
Democrats support reproductive rights-like the right to have access to birth
control and, if necessary, an abortion. Many Democrats support legislation
to protect gays and lesbians against discrimination. Some, but not all,
believe same-sex marriage should be legal. Democrats believe that the
environment needs protecting, and that conservation of wildlife needs to
happen with the help of government laws that prevent pollution, even if it
means penalizing businesses that cause the pollution...Most Democrats
support the idea of a universal health care system like those found in
Europe and Canada. The symbol of the Democratic Party is the donkey.
The Republican Party, often called the GOP, is considered the more rightleaning or conservative party in U.S. government. Republicans tend to
support the rights of business owners large and small, and they believe that
government should in general have a relatively limited role in daily life.
Republicans tend to believe that lower tax rates promote spending that
leads to a strong economy. Republicans also generally believe that
personal and corporate responsibility keep the work force motivated and
lead to economic prosperity. Many (but by no means all) Republicans
oppose the right to an abortion, as well as the use of human embryos for
biological research. Republicans tend to oppose same-sex marriage. In
general Republicans support gun ownership rights. Republicans also tend
to favor free trade agreements with other countries (the passing of goods
between countries without government-imposed costs). They also tend to
favor the reduction of illegal immigration into the United States...In general,
Republicans support school choice through voucher programs and charter
schools. Most Republicans do not support a universal health care system
like those found in Europe and Canada. The symbol of the Republican
Party is the elephant.
*Answer the following questions in your Reading section.
1.
Is there anything in this article that you find confusing? Unfamiliar
words/topics that you would like to go over?
2.
List the most significant differences between the Democratic and the
Republican parties, as described in this article (at least 5).
3.
In your opinion, which party makes a more convincing argument?
Support your opinion using evidence from the text.
*Other presidential questions (These are not answered in the text. If
you don't know the answer, make your best guess).
4.
What is a third-party candidate?
5.
How long is a presidential term?
6.
How many terms can a president legally serve in the U.S.?
7.
When will the next U.S. presidential election take place?