Activity: 

While reviewing the LaunchPack, students will complete a Venn Diagram to compare the two main political parties. After reviewing the pack, students will create their own political party. Upon creating a name for their own party, students will identify their party’s platform, make connections between their platform and the issues they care about, create a campaign slogan and hashtag, and create a text thread between themselves and an undecided voter. Students should consider what questions undecided voters might ask and what issues undecided voters care about.

Suggested Questions:

• What are the roles of political parties, interest groups, and media in influencing public policy?
• How have political parties evolved over time?

Possible Extension:

• Students will write and create their own campaign commercial that illustrates the party’s platform, issues, and slogan.
• Encourage students to complete a Venn Diagram on three political parties, comparing and contrasting their platforms, main issues, and the demographics of party members.

SEL Connection:

Relationship Skills – Emphasize relationship building during this lesson by encouraging students to collaborate respectfully within a diverse group of peers with diverse views.