NAME DATE DECEMBER 14 2018 PERIOD 1 2

1. Browse the major parties’ websites to make a bullet list of 5-7 tools/resources available on these sites that demonstrate these “traditional functions.” Refer to your lecture notes/textbook for ideas (www.gop.com & www.democrats.org). If you have time-visit the College Republicans (crnc.org) and College Democrats (collegedems.com)

2. Find the links for their official “party platform,” policy preferences, or stated beliefs. Make a bullet list of 3-4 central policy goals (“planks”) for the Democrats.

3. Make a bullet list of 3-4 central policy goals (“planks”) for the Republicans. (Please choose the same issues for both parties).

Republicans:

Democrats:

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4. Take a moment to drink in the technology. Consider how much more sophisticated these tools are than the magazines, newspapers, and network news. Briefly list 2-3 of the most important aspects, tools, or tech-gimmicks of these sites that make them such powerful tools of communication.

5. Take a moment to contrast style/tone/attitude between these two major sites. What subtle differences do you find in the packaging of their message either verbally or visually?

Democrats:

Republicans:

Democrats:

Republicans:

6. Now head over to www.teapartypatriots.org and get a look at a popular and successful third party (OR is it just a faction within the Republican Party?). Notice the same “traditional functions” at work. After reading about them, make a bullet list of 3-4 central policy goals (planks”).

7. Take a moment to reflect on this question: In a country where third parties so rarely muster the popularity to make a difference, why has the Tea Party movement been so effective? You’ll find some answers on their site, but also feel free to do a little searching on the web.

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8. Head over to http://www.politics1.com/parties.htm for a list of all political parties. Choose a CONSERVATIVE third party that looks interesting and briefly summarize its platform.

9. At the same site, choose a LIBERAL third party that looks interesting and briefly summarize its platform. You need to actually go to the party’s website and look around a bit!

10. Just for kicks, identify two extreme third parties that won’t stand a chance in any national election. Summarize their wacky/extreme platform.

Party:

Platform:

Party:

Platform

Reflections…for class discussion
1. If it is such a well accepted reality that America is entrenched in a two party “duopoly,” why do you suppose so many minor parties still exist when it seems their efforts to win public office are in vain?