About the inquiry

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of political issues and political parties. By exploring the compelling question about how well political parties represent individuals, students consider their own political ideology as a lens for learning about the extent to which political parties address international and domestic issues. In investigating political issues and political party platforms, students begin to develop an idea of how well the parties represent them and, more importantly, begin to develop their own political ideologies.

Compelling Question

Do Any Political Parties Represent Me?

Staging Question

Students take a political quiz through the University of Virginia Center for Politics that places them on a political continuum.

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Do any political parties represent me? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question “Do any political parties represent me?” using specific claims and relevant evidence from contemporary sources while acknowledging competing views.

Extension: Create a political party platform based on the issues students believe are the most important.

Taking Informed Action

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