created by Stephanie Moore
Villa Duchesne/Oak Hill School

Modified by Olivia Caldwell July 16, 2004

Introduction | Internet Activities | Conclusion | Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

Introduction

The purpose of this Web page is to give you a sampling of some of the aspects of a presidential election.  Every four years, in our country, citizens vote to fill the the office of president, and in November of 2004 the election will take place. Each of the activities listed below asks you to become informed, and find out what you like, believe, and feel. Really try to find things that you can connect with. Good luck and have fun!

Let's get started

The following links come from all over the World Wide Web and represent a variety of viewpoints. You may complete the following Internet activities working in a group. Make it your goal to create an interesting brochure for each candidate.  At the end of this project you will have created two different brochures, one for the Republican candidate and one for the Democratic candidate.

What to do!

Some Americans vote without really knowing what the candidates believe in or who they really are. As you use the Internet and the following questions,activities, and links, you will become more knowledgeable about the Presidential election, its candidates, and processes.

You will become a journalist following the 2004 presidential campaign. Your goal is to produce a brochure that explains the job of the president, who the candidates are, and what their beliefs are regarding issues facing the country.

As an introduction, you will also provide background information about the duties of the president and historical information how political parties developed in the United States.

You will report on the Republican presidential candidates, George Bush/Dick Chaney

and the Democratic candidates, John Kerry/ John Edwards

as they make their bid for the presidency.

Your brochure should include each candidate's biography as well as their view on key political issues.

Internet Activities

White House Tour Assignment       Take a tour!!!

Activity:

Please answer these questions on a separate piece of paper.

1. Where is the White House located?
2. What other historical buildings are located near the White House?
3. Record and report on at least eight interesting historical facts about the White House. Provide detailed information.

Research the Presidential Duties

Activity:

(This information will be included in your brochure)

1. Name the four roles of the President of the United States and give an example of what he does in that role.
2. What are the qualifications to be President?

More Research About the Presidential Duties

Activity:

(This information will be included in your brochure)

1. What are some of the benefits of being President?

2. What are some of the powers of the President?

3. What are two other names given to the President?

Political Parties Assignment

Activity:

(This information will be included in your brochure)

1. What is the goal of a political party?
2. Name the first political party and what was its goal?
3. What role do political parties have in the Presidential election?

George Bush History & Issues

Activity:

(This information will be included in your brochure)

1. Organize, collect, and present research about George Bush.
2. Present information on the issues & create a biography.

John Kerry and John Edwards

Activity:

(This information will be included in  your brochure)

1. Organize, collect, and present research about the Democratic presidential contenders, John Kerry and John Edwards
2. Present information on the issues & create a biography for each.

Conclusion

While exploring this project on the presidential election, I hope you've had fun, learned, and most importantly connected with some part of the presidential election.

Be prepared to explain how you feel more interested in the political process.

How do you think you can change the way another person views politics and politicians?

In your view, what is the most important part of the process?

Grading Rubric

Content by Stephanie Moore, smoore@vdoh.org http://www.kn.sbc.com/wired/fil/pages/sampreselest.html Last revised Tue Mar 9 19:24:16 US/Pacific 2004 Modified by Olivia Caldwell July 16, 2004