US/VA GOVERNMENT

PROJECT ONE

CAMPAIGN "2000" PORTFOLIO PROJECT MR. ADDIE

PURPOSE: To continue your exploration into the world of politics and elections

ASSIGNMENT: Arraign and label your assignments by section in order (by number) to the following guide -

1. BOOK RESPONSE - One typed, one page summary of a non-fiction, 1995 to the

present (political science/ government type book) from the following policy areas:

A. Elections, Media, Interest Groups, Money in Politics

B. Parties, Third Parties, Politics, Campaigning, Conventions

C. Congress, Presidency, Supreme Court

D. Civil Rights, Civil Liberties, Criminal Justice System

(See < Amazon.com > or other online book lists for possible choices–follow menu and click on

areas - you do not have to buy the book - check out from the library)

In a typed, double spaced, one page format, give your reactions to the non-fiction government book you read with specific examples to illustrate. Use the following as a guide: - What did you like about the book? - What did you find questionable? - Did the author’s points fit or challenge your preconceptions?

2. BOOK PRESENTATION AND VISUAL -(present in class during the quarter) prepare a 2 minute

oral presentation with a visual that sums up what you feel is the most important point the book is making. Be creative with your visual.

3. FEDERAL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT PROFILE - Select one House of Representatives district* not selected by anyone else in any of Mr. Addie's government classes (signup is first come/first serve) and print/cut & paste the following on ONE PAGE (front and back maximum). Use bullets (single spaced) if typing:

• Name of the officeholder, the State, the District Number -
• Biographical information -
• Background information on the district -
• Committees, major votes, positions on key issues -
• *(This district will be one of your required visits on the Capitol Hill field trip during the 3^rd quarter)

SOURCES:

• Barone's Almanac of American Politics 1998-99 (Book) -
• Politics in America (Book/CD)

(Both have every district profile)

• Thomas - U.S. Congress on the "Net" - http://thomas.loc.gov/
• Today in Congress - http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/politics/fedpage/todayincongress/
• House of Representatives - http://www.house.gov
• Project Vote-Smart Congressional Information - http://www.vote-smart.org/index.phtml

4. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE PROFILE - Select one ticket running for the office of President and Vice-President. Print/cut & paste the following on TWO PAGES MAXIMUM (front and back) for both the President and Vice President. Use bullets (single spaced) if typing:

• Name of the candidate, political party, home state
• Biographical and background information - (experience)
• Positions on key issues

SOURCES:

http://www.vote-smart.org/index.phtml

http://www.webwhiteblue.org/best/

http://www.opensecrets.org/home/index.asp

http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/

http://www.democrats.org/hq/resources/platform/index.html

http://www.politics1.com/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/politics/elections/2000/whitehouse/

http://www.rnc.org/

5. TOPIC RESEARCH FOR YOUR MODEL CONGRESS BILL - choose four topics relevant to U.S./VA government policy and prepare four typed, 10-12 font, single spaced, bullet form, one page summaries of the background and points involved in each topic. * (FOUR TOPICS, FOUR ONE PAGE SUMMARIES) Print your summaries on the front and back of each page - two pages maximum. *(You may use one of these four topics to form the basis of your research paper and bill concerning the 3^rd quarter Model Congress project)

SOURCES:

• Electronic Policy Network - http://epn.org
• CATO Institute - http://www.cato.org/
• Economic Policy Institute - http://epinet.org/
• The Heritage Foundation - http://www.heritage.org/
• Policy (Issues Library) - http://www.policy.com
• Progressive Policy Institute - http://www.dlcppi.org/
• Thomas - http://thomas.loc.gov/
• http://www.politics1.com/issues.htm

6. SAMPLE BALLOT - obtain a copy (8 X 11) of the sample ballot for the November 7^TH, 2000 election for your Fairfax County voting district (see your voter registration card or your parents card). Include all candidates, bond questions and constitutional questions. Reproduce on one page (both sides) if needed.

GRADING - a separate assessment sheet will be used to evaluate the seven requirements for the Campaign "2000" Portfolio project. A sample of this sheet is on the website. Use this as a guide to help complete your project.

ADDITIONAL GRADING INFORMATION -

• This project counts 25% of the quarter grade -
• This project is based on a 100 pt scale -
• The late penalty is 15 pts off for each school day (includes B & G days) late regardless if your absence is excused or unexcused - plan ahead!

The project is due on or BEFORE: 10/26/00