Political Party Ice Breaker

Where do you stand? Examine each of the categories around the room. On the Political Party Icebreaker Worksheet - write down if you agree more with view A or B. Then assign a number value to your position indicating your level of agreement with each category. 3 – Mostly Agree 2 – Moderately Agree 1 – Somewhat Agree

The Economy and Taxes A In favor a progressive tax system in which the wealthy pay a larger share than the poor Against international free trade agreements because they claim that such trade agreements hurt American workers and in particular unions Believe in a balanced budget and are willing to raise taxes if needed Make laws to protect American businesses from international competition B In favor of a smaller government Generally for free market agreements with other countries, like NAFTA- North American Free Trade Agreement. Vehemently against raising taxes even if it means a budget deficit Believe in global trade and don’t tend to protect US businesses from international competition

National Defense and Security Tend to cut the military budget Generally want to avoid American military intervention unless supported by the United Nations Tend to believe in diplomacy and are slow to go to war B Believe in a strong military and are willing to pay for it with government money Believe in confronting American enemies with or without UN support Believe in using military intervention when American interests or security is threatened

Entitlements- Welfare, Medicaid, Social Security, Health Care Generally think that the government should provide a broad safety net (health care, education, welfare, food stamps, social security) for the poor and others. Government policies help the common good and are compassionate B Generally think the government should limit or reduce the safety net for the poor. believe that private businesses and non-profit charities can provide the same services.

Crime and Punishment A Focus on rehabilitation programs [long prison sentences for convicted criminals] Against the death penalty Focus on rights of the accused B Prison sentences as a deterrent to crime Support the death penalty Strict penalties for convicted criminals

Environmental Protection Strict Gov’t regulations on businesses to protect the environment Global warming is a real threat B Fewer Gov’t restrictions on businesses in the hopes that wealthier companies will be able to be more environmental Global warming is not a real threat

Abortion and Stem Cell Research Pro-choice [a woman should always have the right to choose to have an abortion] Favor stem-cell research B Pro-life [do not believe that women have a right to have an abortion] – considered to be murder Against stem-cell research

Energy Policy A Focus on researching alternative energy sources for the future B Focus on securing existing energy sources for the present and future

Same Sex Marriage & Civil Rights Laws Tend to support the right for same-sex couples to marry B Tend to oppose the right for same-sex couples to marry

Education A Oppose using tax money for school choice (vouchers and charters) B Favor using tax money for school choice (vouchers and charters)

Immigration A Favor looser immigration laws Some favor “Amnesty” for illegals already in the country B Favor stricter immigration laws Some favor punishment or deportation for illegals already in the country