1. AP U.S. Government & Politics
Thursday, November 9, 2017

2. Current events discussion
7 Minutes

3. The Two-Party System
Young voters often express frustration with the two-party system.
1) Do you share this frustration?
2) What would it take for a viable third party to emerge?
3) Would American politics be improved by the inclusion of a third (or fourth) party? Why or why not?
4) How does the United States’ electoral system discourage the emergence of third parties?

4. The Single Member District/Winner-Take All System
Single-Member District: Electoral district in which one person is chosen by the voters for each elective office
The winning candidate is the one who receives a plurality of all the votes cast
The single-member district system works to reinforce the two-party system
How?
Can you think of any alternatives to the single-member district system?

8. Divided Government
Based on election results over the last thirty years, it seems that Americans actually PREFER divided government over one-party rule.
1) Make a list of Pro’s and Con’s of divided government.
2) Why do Americans seem to prefer divided government?
3) How can the preference for divided government be reconciled with increasing polarization in Congress?

9. Requiem for the american dream
By Noam Chomsky

10. Homework 1) “The Second Civil War” 2) Requiem for the American Dream
Lanahan, p
2) Requiem for the American Dream
Chapter 1 Seminar: Monday, November 20