Do They Agree on Anything

Worksheet Description

The  worksheet presents a Venn diagram layout to assist students in analyzing the platforms of two leading candidates in an election. At its core, the diagram seeks to highlight areas of agreement and disagreement between the two candidates. The individual sections for each candidate are meant for listing unique stances, whereas the overlapping central section is dedicated to documenting areas where the candidates’ views align. Iconic representations of an elephant and a donkey allude to the Republican and Democratic parties of the United States, suggesting a comparison between candidates from these two parties.

To use this worksheet effectively, students should start by researching the platforms and positions of the two candidates. For each policy or stance that is unique to a candidate, it should be documented in the candidate’s exclusive section. If there are topics on which both candidates concur, those should be recorded in the central overlapping section of the diagram. This process will give a visual representation of both the commonalities and differences in the candidates’ positions.

The worksheet aims to foster critical thinking and analytical skills in students. By visually mapping out the areas of agreement and divergence, students can get a clear understanding of the political landscape and the choices before them. Furthermore, the exercise emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making in a democratic setup. Students learn not only to identify differences but also to recognize areas where there is political consensus.