A set of statements that describes a political party's (or a candidate's) views/positions on major issues--such as what they plan to do about the economy or immigration.

Which of the following is not a category that you should look at when deciding on whether someone is the best person for a particular job or to hold political office?

Unlike Congressman Jones (who's a Democrat), Congressman Anderson (who's a Republican) believes that we should be more aggressive in overseas conflicts (wars) and put more funding ($) towards our military-- no exceptions. Anderson's view would be an example of a _________________ policy.

In most elections, candidates from all parties generally agree with each other that there's improvement needed with economic issues (such as the creation of more jobs for the American people). Therefore, the strength of our economy is considered a ____________________ issue. (check all that apply)

A individual's own opinions and personal beliefs (that are not always based off actual facts) are regarded as being _____________________.

Propaganda is information that's intended to persuade viewers in a powerful way... which of the following would not be considered a type of propaganda?

Being exposed to propaganda and biased information can influence how you see the world.

Public debates are a useful tool for the voter to evaluate each candidate's views on important issues/concerns of the day. What is the main purpose of a political debate?

A questionnaire that's given to potential voters to see what they think about particular issues or candidates at any given moment

An opinion poll means the same thing as the voting polls.

Candidates who are running for national office will often receive endorsements and sponsorships to support their campaign. Which of the following would not be a typical sponsor of a presidential candidate?

A monetary ($) donation that's received by a political candidate or a party to help influence the election and advance the donor's own cause/organization

The political experts who appear on major news networks or talk shows (the "talking heads" of television news) are also called...

We should always believe the "expert opinions" of the pundits who appear on political news shows. Their analysis and commentary is usually factual.

It is hard to effectively evaluate where a candidate stands on a particular issue/topic if you don't also know what you believe and where you stand on that same issue. (hint: issues include such things as the economy, immigration, the environment, etc.)

It's not really that important for you to start developing your own views and beliefs on the important events/issues going on in the world around you.

When evaluating candidates, it's important that you know what issues you care about-- what you're willing to support and what you're not willing to support.

Which of the following are some important issues going on in the world and in our country today? (check all that apply)

Which of the following are some important issues going on in the world and in our country today? (check all that apply)

It's important to know what personal qualities and character traits you would look for in deciding on a potential candidate.

What are the most important questions you should ask yourself when trying to decide who to vote for? (check all that apply)

What are the most important questions you should ask yourself when trying to decide who to vote for? (check all that apply)

Which of the following is not considered to be one of the main sources of information when you go to do your own research about candidates?

When researching the candidates, always be careful of where you are getting your information from. It's important to gather information from sources that are... (check all that apply)

When evaluating candidates, it's more important to pay attention to what a candidate will actually do once they're in office as compared to what they "say" they're going to do

"It's important to vote and to know who you're actually voting for-- based on your own evaluation of the candidates." Which of the following does not support this statement?

When you hear directly from the candidate themselves, the information can be biased. Pro or con?

When candidates put out a flyer, they are trying to not only inform but to also mainly....

In a political ad or brochure/flyer, the information will usually only focus on what is good about one candidate and bad about the other candidate. Pro or con?

When a candidate gives a speech directly to voters, they are able to voice their views openly and without media influence such as the interpretations of political pundits ("commentators") on TV. Pro or con?

TV and radio ads are usually sponsored by by that candidate themselves (or the political party they're affiliated with/part of). What does it mean to sponsor an ad?

A major political campaign is made up of a team of people and usually has a person called the campaign ___________________ (who is in charge of most all of the campaign strategy and decisions).

A debate is an excellent source of information. You get to hear from the candidates themselves...as they respond to questions about current events and issues. In most modern-day debates, who asks the questions?

The first radio debate was held in 1948 and the first ___________________ debate was held in 1956.

In 1988, the Commission on Presidential Debates (an independent, non-partisan group) was formed and they have ____________________ every debate since then. (check all that apply)

In 1992, the "town hall format" was introduced as a type of debate style/format. This allows the _________________ to directly ask questions of each candidate.

Nowadays, it is customary (typical) to have _______ presidential debates and 1 vice presidential debate.

In presidential election years, a set of debates are held before the primary elections in February/March. This is done in order to help voters determine which candidates from their chosen political party will go on to win the official nomination of the party.

After the primaries, there is a separate set of debates (held between the final candidates who end up being nominated each party). This final set of debates--between these 2 main candidates-- is typically hosted in which months? (hint: they are usually held closer to Election Day)

Certain moments in debates can shape history and can essentially "make or break" a candidate's entire campaign.

The "town hall" debate format allows candidates to "get more personal" with their voters and be able to interact directly with the electorate (the voters).

As a candidate in a debate, you're essentially running against yourself and your own image that you've created over the years. What are the best synonyms (similar adjective words) that can be used to describe a televised political debate? (check all that apply)

When using media sources to learn about the candidates, you can hear about the candidates and their _____________________ (their viewpoints) from many different perspectives. Be careful which media sources you're getting your info from!

Getting info about a candidate from various media sources is easy to access nowadays.... especially _______________.

Social media allow us to discuss the issues and have conversations with others about the candidates. Since everyone is online, it's not usually necessary to be respectful of other people's opinions.

You should always watch out for bias (one-sided views) in news reports. This can often be a type of _______________________. (hint: misleading info)

When looking at political ads, political cartoons, and other media content... it's not really that important if you can tell the difference between fact and opinion.

You may need to "fact-check" information that you're unsure about. It's ok to always let other people do the "fact-checking" for you.

Political ads use a combination of words, images, and music to convey (pass along) a particular message about a candidate or an issue. This can influence our emotions, beliefs, and voting choices.

You should always verify ("fact-check") political ads for accuracy and validity. Validity (if something is valid) refers to ________________.

If a candidate has held political office in the past, you can always look up that candidate's ____________________ in order to determine how they voted on particular issues in the past.

If a candidate has held political office before, a voter can check out that candidate's past voting record/public record. This info can be found on non-biased, _____________________ information websites--such as votesmart.org or vote411.org

www.votesmart.org.... is a "one-stop shop" for accessing non-partisan info on all of the current candidates who are running for local, state, or federal/national office.

www.vote411.org allows you to search (by location) for candidates who are running for office in your local area and compare them with other candidates.

Public record sources tend to be the most biased.

Public-record sources are the most helpful/useful sources in making comparisons between the candidates during any given election season.

Some candidates may not have held public office before and therefore, may not have a public voting record. This is a positive thing in helping us to evaluate candidates.

A elected official's constituents are...

Public opinion is easy to track (keep up with) and public opinion polls are usually 100% accurate.

The strength and accuracy of a public opinion poll/survey relies on its sample size. What is a sample size?

Which of the following are qualities of an accurate, strong political poll (survey/questionnaire)?

Public opinion polls can often be biased because people tend to give socially desirable responses (they say what they think other people or the interviewer wants to hear).

Polling organizations may word the questions or answers of a poll in a certain way... in order to sway (influence) the people's responses and the overall result of the poll.

Participating in a public opinion poll allows people to feel like their voices are being heard-- that's why they are often still used. However, you should be careful about accepting the results of that poll at face-value (since many polls can be so easily manipulated/swayed).

Which source lets you...learn what types of groups have supported the candidate because they believe that candidate will support their own causes/goals?

If a candidate has held political office in the past, you can check out their "voting record" (which laws/policies they supported or didn't support while they were in office). This also includes their personal voting history (which other candidates they have voted for in past elections).

A candidate's public record (their past actions if they have held political office before) can "clue you in" to how they may vote on future laws/policies... if elected.

Name the source: a page on a candidate's website that talks about that candidate's qualifications and skills (hint: a candidate oversees the content which appears on their own website)

Opinion polls demonstrate all of the following EXCEPT...

Good, strong polls will usually survey a small number of people and are conducted/administered by biased (partisan) organizations.

It's important to know where the results/percentages of opinion polls come from. Which of the following is NOT one of the questions that you should ask when determining the accuracy of political polls?

It is not really that important for you to be aware of what each group (who sponsors/endorses a candidate) stands for and why they are endorsing/sponsoring a particular candidate.

Which of the following is NOT an example of a special interest group that may endorse/sponsor certain candidates?

Most candidates rely on fundraising and large donations/contributions in order to finance (pay for) their campaigns.

If you wanted to donate money to a particular candidate or to a political party that you support, you can usually donate directly through their official website.

The SOURCES of these $$ contributions can later __________________ how a candidate acts and what laws they will support or not support once they're in office!

Overall... it's important to be a/an _________________ voter--know who you're voting for and why!

Voting is not a popularity contest!

Base your voting decisions on the actual facts, and not your emotions.

When voting, it's important to think critically about the candidates and look at all sides of the current events/issues.

Your voting selections/decisions are yours and only yours! Who your friends and family voted for should not be the main influence on your own choices.

Voting is your right as an American citizen--- don't take it for granted. Voting is also your __________________ as an American citizen. Voting is not required by law but if you do choose to vote....be an informed voter and choose wisely!