Good stuff here for discussing party in the electorate and, specifically, the demographic differences between the two major party coalitions. ‘Trends in party affiliation among demographic groups‘-Pew Research Center Link to US Civitas Facebook Discussion Thread
This would be great for critically discussing public opinion, the notion that support for “theocracy” is outside the mainstream of American politics, and also the notion that ideological disagreement — understood in liberal vs. conservative terms — is a major cause of political conflict in American politics. ‘Despite porn stars Read more…
I could imagine — at least with a smaller class — showing this video at the beginning of class when covering political participation, and spending the class period working together to take action on the issue. Students would spend 20 minutes researching the issue, finding consensus expert recommendations, spend 10 Read more…
This could be GREAT for class discussion. Link to US Civitas Facebook Discussion Thread
‘Connecticut lawmakers pass measure to give electoral votes to presidential candidate who wins popular vote‘-The Hill Link to US Civitas Facebook Discussion Thread
Might make for fruitful class discussion when covering political parties. ‘America’s Six Political Parties‘ Link to US Civitas Facebook Discussion Thread
I could see using the findings reported in this article to frame a discussion about what drives division within American politics. In Ch. 3 of my textbook, I give a modified Madisonian account, arguing that two perennial drivers of division / conflict are ideology and interests. As I’ve told many Read more…
There’s a lot in here to draw from for American Gov classes. Here are just two. (1) The accurate description of political parties as non-homogeneous coalitions of conflicting interests and ideologies. And (2) his reflections on the motives that drove him into politics, and how they have changed over time. Read more…
This would run the risk of appearing partisan, but I think there’s a lot in this video to facilitate class discussion. I’d probably use it during a unit on public opinion and media, with an emphasis on how (and why) would-be authoritarian rulers seek to discredit the media, and also Read more…
This would be useful for discussing issues of representation in the Senate, Electoral College, etc. ‘In about 20 years, half the population will live in eight states‘-Washington Post Link to US Civitas Facebook Discussion Thread
Shouldn’t there be bipartisan support for this? ‘States slow to prepare for hacking threats‘-Politico Link to US Civitas Facebook Discussion Thread
This might be kind of fun for discussing basic concepts about laws, the legislative process, and judicial review. I’d consider doing it early in the semester as an overview of basics of government or perhaps specifically when discussing judicial branch. The fact that it’s focused on Georgia and features an Read more…