Introduction
Introduction
After witnessing recent elections and seeing the tension between the two political parties it is important for us to look at the origin of these political parties. What issues divided the founding fathers? How are they similar to issues dividing our nation today? As young adults, you’re bombarded with opinions from parents, friends, and the media about politics and the political parties. As you approach voting age, it is important to look at how the origins of the United States government have shaped the Democratic and Republican beliefs. Now lets dial back to the 18th century government….
Task
Task
In this project you will research the two original political parties, the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists, and examine the issues that divided them. You will then compare the principles of these two groups to the political parties of today. After you have grasped the concept and theories on government from the two groups, you will select a current issue and using your research on the founding of the United States you will write a persuasive letter to a California congressman or woman.
By the end of this WebQuest you will be well equipped to discuss a controversial issue with a congressman or woman. After researching the Federalists and the Anti-Federalists and the theories that divided them and then examining the relationship between those views and the current political issues and divisions, you will be able to write a great letter addressing the issue of your choice. At the end of this project, if you feel that your letter is well written and persuasive, you will be able to actually mail it to that congressman or woman!
Process
Process
First of all, lets go back in time and look at the founding of our nation. You will need to research the beliefs of the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. In a note taking app of your choice, record the following information and email it to me:
a. What were 3 main issues that divided the anti-federalists and the federalists?
b. What was the purpose of The Federalist Papers and who wrote them?
c. What did the Federalists believe in regards to the 3 issues you chose?
d. What did the Anti-Federalists believe about the same three issues?
e. After researching the original two parties, which party do you think you would have identified with? Why?
Alright, now that you have some foundation to work from, we will dig into today's issues. Record your answers to the following questions in another note taking app and email them to me:
a. Look at the Republican and Democrat websites: Republican Website, Democratic Website. Based on the information, which party do you think stemmed from the Anti-Federalists? The Federalists?
b. What are three big issues that divide today's parties?
c. In regards to those issues, what do Republicans believe and what do Democrats believe?
d. What do the three issues of today have in common with the issues that divided the original founders?
It’s now time to develop your own opinion. Choose one of the current issues that you researched, and begin to prepare your argument. Make note of the following in a Word document and then email it to me:
a. What is the issue you chose?
b. What do YOU believe is the best stance on the issue?
You can now start a rough draft of your letter using Word. Your letter must include the following:
a. Introduction of the topic
b. Brief history of the topic.
c. Identify what you believe about this issue, and why. You are only to use academic arguments.
d. Make sure to include the opposing viewpoint and why you believe it to be incorrect.
e. If you can, connect the controversial issue to one of the issues surrounding the founding of our nation.
f. Express your thanks for taking the time to read your letter
When you are finished print two copies of your letter to have two of your classmates read and edit. Once they have edited your paper, make the necessary corrections in Word, print the letter, and bring it to me.
After I approve your rough draft and you make the necessary corrections, you will need to type your final draft in Word. Email me a copy and also print a copy.
I will have envelopes and stamps for those of you who want to send them off!
Evaluation
Evaluation
This is how your final letter will be evaluated:
1 2 3 4
| Audience |
It is not clear who the author is writing for. |
Demonstrates some understanding of the potential reader and uses arguments appropriate for that audience. |
Demonstrates a general understanding of the potential reader and uses vocabulary and arguments appropriate for that audience. |
Demonstrates a clear understanding of the potential reader and uses appropriate vocabulary and arguments. Anticipates reader’s questions and provides thorough answers appropriate for that audience. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goal or Thesis Statement |
There is no goal or thesis. |
A goal or thesis is present, but does not make the the author’s position clear. |
The goal or thesis provides a clear statement of the author’s position on the topic. |
The goal or thesis provides a clear, strong statement of the author’s position on the topic. |
| Reasons Supporting Goal or Thesis Statement |
Includes 1 or fewer reasons (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences). |
Includes 2 reasons (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the goal or thesis statement. |
Includes 3 or more reasons (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the goal or thesis statement. |
Includes 3 or more reasons (facts, statistics, examples, real-life experiences) that support the goal or thesis statement. The writer anticipates the reader’s concerns, biases or arguments. and has provided at least 1 counter- argument. |
| Facts and Examples |
Facts and examples are not relevant and/or are not explained. |
At least one of the facts and examples is relevant and has an explanation that shows how that piece of evidence supports the author’s position |
Most of the facts and examples are specific and relevant, and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author’s position. |
All of the facts and examples are specific and relevant, and explanations are given that show how each piece of evidence supports the author’s position. |
| Sequencing |
Many of the support details or arguments are not in an expected or logical order, distracting the reader and making the letter seem very confusing. |
A few of the support details or arguments are not in an expected or logical order, distracting the reader and making the letter seem a little confusing. |
Arguments and support are provided in a fairly logical order that makes it reasonably easy to follow the author’s train of thought. |
Arguments and support are provided in a logical order that makes it easy and interesting to follow the author’s train of thought |
| Letter Format | Complies with fewer than 75% of the requirements for a business letter. |
Complies with several of the requirements for a business letter. |
Complies with almost all the requirements for a business letter. |
Complies with all the requirements for a business letter. |
Conclusion
Conclusion
Well done politicians! You have done your work and you are now educated and able to argue your issues. Email your final letter and notes to me for grading when you’re finished. If you wish to send your letter along to the congressman or woman in our district, find his/her information and let me know that you want to send it. You no longer have to take other peoples' views as your own, because you’ve done your research and learned the facts!
Credits
Credits
QuestGarden
Universiteti "Ismail Qemali"i Vlorës
Studentja Anxhela Metaj
Teacher Page
Teacher Introduction
The goal if this WebQuest is to get students thinking critically about political issues and the foundation of the United States government. In a day where students are bombarded with information about political leaders and issues, it is important that we get them thinking about the core of their beliefs and the history behind them. This WebQuest will get students actively researching and learning about the founding fathers as well as current issues that our government faces today. Students will be better educated and able to discuss political issues of the past and present. It is important however, that with an assignment like this, we as teachers are able to set aside our own biases and beliefs in order to guide the students to discovery and critical thinking on their own.