Overview

As a class we will have an Open Forum focusing on the Elections of 1800 and 2000. The class will work in groups to "role-play" various forces in each election. We will then engage in an Open Forum to discuss the issues confronting the United States during each election. Watch for the similarities and differences between the politics of 1800 and those of today. The Open Forum will culminate in a student vote for the candidates. May the best party win.

Objectives

• To research information about candidates, past and present, using Beyond Books

• To present information as a party member, the public, or the press

• To analyze the information presented and make comparisons and contrasts to modern day politics

Beyond Books Resources

PoliticalFest 2000
• Unit 1 On the Campaign Trail [http://www.beyondbooks.com/gop00/1.asp]

• Unit 2 Philadelphia and the Presidency [http://www.beyondbooks.com/gop00/2.asp]

• Unit 3 Life in the White House [http://www.beyondbooks.com/gop00/3.asp]

• Unit 4 The Media and Politics [http://www.beyondbooks.com/gop00/4.asp]

Creation of a New Nation
• Unit 8 Jeffersonian America: A Second Revolution [http://www.beyondbooks.com/ush81/8.asp]

Guest Expert
• Joseph Ellis's Biography includes a link to Ellis's recent article in U.S. News & World Report entitled, "The first Democrats: How the two-party system was born amid backroom deals, lying politicians, and a scandal-hungry press." [http://www.beyondbooks.com/chat/2000/ellis.asp]

• "American Sphinx: The Contradictions of Thomas Jefferson" by Joseph Ellis [http://rs6.loc.gov/ammem/mtjhtml/mtjessay1.html].

Questions

What were the major issues of this election?





Where does your party, or the majority of your group, stand on each of these issues? Be prepared to defend your answers.






What characteristics make someone a good leader? The Media will answer -- What is the character of the party leaders at the time of their election? (Media 1800, answer for Election 1800 candidates, Media 2000, for Election 2000)






What are the needs of the people?






What on-going problems does the nation face, then and now?




How will this affect you as a candidate, citizen, or member of the press?