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.
Login to add Inquiry to Stack
About the inquiry
Compelling Question
Does the two-party system work?
Staging Question
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.
1
Supporting QuestionHow 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)
2
Supporting QuestionWhat 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
3
Supporting QuestionWhat 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
Summative Performance Task
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:
Taking Informed Action
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.