Researching and Understanding

Worksheet Description

The worksheet is designed to guide students in researching and understanding the positions of candidates from four major political parties on specific issues. By visiting the campaign websites and viewing YouTube videos of each candidate, students are expected to fill in the table, outlining each party’s stance on various topics. The worksheet provides columns for issues to be listed, and rows for the Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, and Green parties, allowing for a side-by-side comparison of their views on each subject.

To utilize this worksheet effectively, students should first identify key issues they wish to explore. They should then navigate to the official campaign websites of candidates representing the Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, and Green parties, looking for their positions on these issues. Additionally, students can supplement this information by watching YouTube videos where candidates may discuss or elaborate on these topics. Once the research is complete, students should record each party’s stance in the appropriate cells on the worksheet.

This worksheet is designed to instill multiple valuable skills and insights in students. It promotes media literacy by guiding students to differentiate between genuine policy positions and potential biases or misrepresentations. By encouraging research from both official sources and video content, it ensures students engage with material in diverse formats, fostering comprehensive understanding. The overarching goal is to cultivate informed citizens who can critically assess political candidates’ positions on pivotal issues, making them better equipped to participate in democratic processes.