why study participating in government?
This
unit is geared toward 12th grade students for a reason. Some of
these students are adults, others are on the verge of becoming an adult. For
adults, this unit is crucial to study because American students need to be
aware of what their rights are as they transition into adulthood. They need to
fundamentally understand that the representatives at the federal, state, and
local levels work for them, not the other way around. It was designed like that
by the founding fathers on purpose in order to prevent tyranny in the US
government from growing. The founding fathers learned from previous governments
that a tyrannical government is what led to human rights violations, unethical
decisions, and corruption. Students need to be aware that they are in charge of
their government and that they are the ones who are depended on to hold their
government accountable. If they do not hold their government accountable,
nobody else will and it will result in unchecked corruption that will become
rampant. Their civil liberties that were fought for over the centuries could be
in jeopardy little by little if the same bad guys continue to become elected.
It is this reason why they must critically think about the procedures in participating in government. The role of political parties, the way parties are organized, the way political candidates are nominated to represent a political party in particular elections, and the growth of spending money to get political candidates elected are all issues they need to be aware of as they become adults. Voting rights are one of the most precious rights these students have and they need to understand why elections are the way they are. They need to realize that it takes money for candidates to become elected or does it? Only they can make that determination whether campaign money can influence their vote or not. They will realize that the country has been dominated by two major parties for most of its history and then need to make the determination whether only two choices are healthy for democracy, whether more than two parties hurt democracy as it benefits the minority ideology, or whether third parties are necessary because no political party should have a monopoly on elections. It is also crucial that these students protect their voting rights as well as their freedom of speech. If either of the two are restricted, it would be the beginning of democracy in America in decline. It shouldn’t have to be that way and it won’t as long as they stay informed starting with this unit and class.
The Federalist Papers, the US Constitution, political party platforms, US Government, historical images, and political speeches are worth examining for students. In order to make the right calculated decision in any election, they need to review those sources. The first three sources go hand-in-hand. For example, there wouldn’t be political party platforms if it wasn’t for the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution. Another example is that their own textbook would be full of distortions if the government created. Multiple points of view is needed to come up with a textbook and that is what elections are for. Also, a lot of references to The Federalist Papers are referenced in the secondary source (textbook). There are so many scenarios they need to be aware of to understand why the ideas in the unit are the way they are.
It is this reason why they must critically think about the procedures in participating in government. The role of political parties, the way parties are organized, the way political candidates are nominated to represent a political party in particular elections, and the growth of spending money to get political candidates elected are all issues they need to be aware of as they become adults. Voting rights are one of the most precious rights these students have and they need to understand why elections are the way they are. They need to realize that it takes money for candidates to become elected or does it? Only they can make that determination whether campaign money can influence their vote or not. They will realize that the country has been dominated by two major parties for most of its history and then need to make the determination whether only two choices are healthy for democracy, whether more than two parties hurt democracy as it benefits the minority ideology, or whether third parties are necessary because no political party should have a monopoly on elections. It is also crucial that these students protect their voting rights as well as their freedom of speech. If either of the two are restricted, it would be the beginning of democracy in America in decline. It shouldn’t have to be that way and it won’t as long as they stay informed starting with this unit and class.
The Federalist Papers, the US Constitution, political party platforms, US Government, historical images, and political speeches are worth examining for students. In order to make the right calculated decision in any election, they need to review those sources. The first three sources go hand-in-hand. For example, there wouldn’t be political party platforms if it wasn’t for the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution. Another example is that their own textbook would be full of distortions if the government created. Multiple points of view is needed to come up with a textbook and that is what elections are for. Also, a lot of references to The Federalist Papers are referenced in the secondary source (textbook). There are so many scenarios they need to be aware of to understand why the ideas in the unit are the way they are.