Understanding American Political System Concepts

The video tutorial, led by Uma Diallo, provides an overview of the American political system, focusing on the power dynamics within it. The unit is structured around three compelling questions: the role of political parties in democracy, the media's influence on politics, and the significance of individual votes. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of political parties and media as linkage institutions that connect citizens to the government. Students are encouraged to explore these topics through articles and reflections, culminating in a performance task to promote youth political participation.

What is the main question driving the learning experience in this unit?

• Why is voting important?

• What is the role of the media?

• Who has the power in American politics?

• How do political parties function?

What are linkage institutions?

• Groups that oppose government policies

• Structures that connect people to the government

• Institutions that link different political parties

• Organizations that fund political campaigns

What is one of the roles of political parties?

• To create laws

• To nominate candidates for public office

• To regulate the media

• To conduct elections

Why is it important for citizens to be connected to their government?

• To promote social media usage

• To increase media influence

• To ensure a well-functioning democracy

• To reduce political parties

How does the media serve as a watchdog?

• By creating political parties

• By holding public figures accountable

• By organizing elections

• By funding political campaigns

What is the purpose of reading articles with different viewpoints on political parties?

• To memorize facts

• To form an independent opinion

• To learn about historical events

• To understand media influence

What is the goal of analyzing a political cartoon in this unit?

• To reflect on the relationship with the government

• To learn about art history

• To understand the role of media

• To memorize political figures

What is the role of social media in politics according to the unit?

• To enhance political participation

• To ruin politics

• To regulate elections

• To create political parties

What is the focus of the performance task at the end of the unit?

• To promote youth political participation

• To analyze media articles

• To write a research paper

• To create a political party

What is the ultimate goal of learning about the American political system in this unit?

• To become a politician

• To develop a better understanding of the world

• To criticize the government

• To memorize political facts