Political Party Project 2nd Quarter 2010-11 Assignment Guidelines
Required individual assignment:
Party Platforms 30 Points Each (60 total)
A party platform is a short description of what your party will do about a SPECIFIC issue if and when they win the presidency of the United States of America. The platform issues must be consistent with the political issues of the day. Remember to use statistics and facts from sources (interest group websites, newspapers, etc.). You will need to cite them in your bibliography.
Outline of Platforms (3 Paragraphs minimum for each)
I. Introduce the Issue
Describe the basics of the issue that your party will be addressing
Use statistics to support your writing
II. Stress the need for action
Explain why this issue is need of change and reform
Use statistics to backup your arguments
III. Action
What will your presidential candidate do for this issue
Describe SPECIFIC policies and/or programs to address issue
Additional Assignment options (must choose 2 per member of group or individual):
Party Principles 25 Points
A party principle is a very broad (big, not specific) idea that your political party stands for. Party principles are consistent and do not change every election the way that platforms do. These are the fundamentals of your party and are reflected in each of your platforms. (see http://www.lp.org/introduction/what-is-the-libertarian-party, http://www.americafirstparty.org/docs/principles.shtml, or any party websites from http://www.politics1.com/parties.htm, and click “principles” to see examples of party principles.
Outline of Principles (5 Total)
List 5 Principles, with a 2-5 sentence explanation of each. 3 of your principles should address economic, social, and security/military issues.
Newspaper Endorsement 25 Points
You will write this as if you were writing an opinion/editorial section for a newspaper. You must explain the reasons why your paper endorses the candidate based on issues from the party platforms and principles. Refer to recent editorials supporting Barack Obama and John McCain for models. Endorsements should be at least 1 full page in length and include real platform items.
Speech 25 Points (+10 for giving speech to class)
This is nomination acceptance speech given in the format of a speech given on the final day of a political party’s convention where the party’s chosen candidate officially accepts his or her party’s nomination to represent them in the general election for President of the United States of America. It is also the time where the candidate lays out his or her plan for America once he becomes president (same as party platforms).
Directions:
The speech you will write for the class is a much shorter one than the major candidates give during their conventions. You will be including 3 of your party’s platforms in your speech (choose the most important 3). Remember that the speech is meant to be heard by every possible American voter, not just our Civics class. Choose your words wisely to appeal to every voter. The speech should be no longer than 5 minutes when read aloud. Follow the outline below as a guide to write your speech.
Outline Format:
I. Introduction
A. Greeting & Thank Yous to Party Members and/or family
B. Tell who you are and what party you are running for
C. Tell why you are running for president
D. Explain need for change in this country
II. Platform Issue #1
A. What is it?
B. Why do we need action or adjusting?
C. What will you do as president specifically on this issue?
III. Platform Issue #2
A. What is it?
B. Why do we need action or adjusting?
C. What will you do as president specifically on this issue?
IV. Platform Issue #3
A. What is it?
B. Why do we need action or adjusting?
C. What will you do as president specifically on this issue?
V. Wrap up
A. Mention party slogan & explain what it means
B. Stress the need for immediate action
C. Closing points
Logo/Slogan & Its Meaning 15 Points
Your logo and slogan should reflect something about what your party stands for and/or include a message of optimism or inspiration to the voter. Your logo should reflect this. The slogans should be short (1-5 words) and to the point. You must include a 1 paragraph explanation of your slogan and logo.
Campaign Brochure 25 Points
Brochures should include basic information about your candidate and party, including platforms, principles, the party logo and slogan. Brochures are designed to inform the public about a candidate, and attempt to get their vote. See examples in class of brochures.
Campaign Mailer 20 Points
Mailers are 2 sided papers that are sent in the mail to potential voters. They should include the candidate’s name, the party name and logo. The mailers may center around one issue (healthcare for example) or may address several of the candidate’s platforms. See examples in class of brochures.
Bibliography 20 Points
You must keep a record of every website, magazine article, newspaper, etc. that your group uses for ideas, statistics, or any information in the project. Use MLA format for your bibliography (see easybib.com for help with MLA).
PowerPoint or Video 25 Points
Presentation must highlight the key aspects of your party’s agenda including your specific platforms and party principles. Presentation must be visually impressive without too much text. PowerPoints must be presented to class and should run about 5 minutes with 8-10 slides. Videos should run about 5 minutes.
Grades will be based on what you complete individually. If you work in a group, your work must be consistent as a political party.
-You must complete at least 2 platform assignments per person, and two additional assignments.
-You may complete as many additional assignments as you wish, with the *maximum possible score next to each assignment.
-Your grade will be based on the percentage of points you earn, based on the following scale
135= A+
130= A
125= A-
120= B+
115= B
110= B-
105= C+
100= C
95= C-
90= D+
85= D
80= D-
79 & below= F
*Remember the points next to the assignments are the MAXIMUM. You may complete additional assignments to earn more points, however*
Due Date: Tuesday, December 7, 2010
*Assignments turned in late will receive a 10% point deduction for every school day late*
