This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the two-party system in the United States. Political parties are a central feature of American politics. While political parties were not a part of the original conception of government as established in the U.S. Constitution, they have emerged to play a dominant role in American politics. This inquiry provides students with an opportunity to take a position on whether the two-party system that we have today actually works.
Does the two-party system work?
Watch a video of Illinois Representative Mike Bost from May 31, 2012. Discuss what works and what does not seem to work in the American political system.
How have checks and balances been used by political parties in the legislative process?
Formative TasksMake a claim citing evidence about how political parties in Congress have used their power to check with a focus on the nomination of Supreme Court justices.
SourcesSource A: The Supreme Court Nomination Process Source B: Supreme Court Nominations Table (Prior to Next Presidential Election) Source C: Supreme Court Nominations Table (1789 – Present)
What conditions have led to bipartisan compromise and what conditions have led to gridlock?
Formative TasksMake a claim citing evidence about how political parties in Congress have used their power to check with a focus on the Trump impeachment.
SourcesSource A: How does impeachment work? - Alex Gendler Source B: Trump’s Second Impeachment, AP News Source C: Trump Acquitted, Los Angeles Times Source D: McCarthy: Trump “bears responsibility for attack”, AP News
What conditions have led to bipartisan compromise and what conditions have led to gridlock?
Formative TasksCreate a T-chart with examples of bipartisanship and gridlock among political parties.
SourcesSource A: Major Laws Passed by Congress Source B: Congress Immigration Reform Source C: Recent Immigration Acts Source D: Ukraine Aide Source E: Building a Better America Source F: NY Time Interactive
Argument: Construct an argument using evidence to support your claim addressing the question Does the two-party system work?
Extension: Analyze and evaluate a current partisan or bipartisan bill in either your state legislature or national legislature. Participate in a fishbowl discussion on how the two-party is effective and ineffective within the legislative branch, and potential solutions to improve the system.
Argument:
Extension:
Understand: Research a current bill (within the last 3 years) that your state legislature has proposed that has not been passed but would benefit your community.
Assess: Why it was not passed.
Act: Write to a state legislator about that specific bill and their position on the bill.
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