Political Parties and the Election Process

The Election Game In groups, you will be preparing for your party’s initial presidential campaign. You will be creating your own party, creating a fictitious presidential and vice presidential nominee, and ultimately participating in a mock election based upon the electoral college.

Day 1: Creating Your Party Directions  Name your party  Create a logo/slogan if you would like  Create a Presidential and Vice Presidential Nominee  Name & Home State  Outline the Party’s Platform (Issues to Campaign On) from list below & outline why they matter  Outline why you selected these issues to guide your campaign Possible Campaign Issues  Pro-Defense Spending  Free Trade  Fair Trade (Tariffs)  Protect Senior Citizens  Pro-Gun Control  Anti-Gun Control  Pro-Farms  Pro-Environment  Family Values  Manufacturing Jobs  Women in the Workforce  Strict Immigration Control  Promoting Education  Reform Welfare  Protect Welfare  Pro-Crime Law Enforcement  Balanced Budget  Pro Tax Cuts  Pro Gay Marriage  Anti Gay Marriage  Pro Choice  Pro Life

Day 2 Prepping for the Election  Step 1: Creating your presidential signs (see above)  Consider names, slogans, etc. on sign for appeal  Submit electronically to me (will be used tomorrow…)  Step 2: Stump Speech  3-4 minute speech your hypothetical candidate would give at political rallies (will be shared in class tomorrow—you will read them as if you were the fictitious candidate at a rally)  Should include your five focus areas of campaigning from yesterday and make clear arguments as to why they matter  Pick three points of emphasis out of those five points and give an overview of your “vision” for America  Step 3: Preparing for the election  Select which states you will focus your campaign in (using the same list of 10 from yesterday—pick three)

Day 3: Campaigning Begins  Sharing of stump speeches (graded by classmates)  Campaign stops mapped out on board  Information on the Electoral System of the CUSA shared with class  Overview of state views shared with class  Campaign strategy meetings to change course of campaign (if necessary)