Use these guiding questions as stand-alone discussion starters or in conjunction with election-related lessons to help reinforce critical thinking and analysis skills.

 

  • Are the candidates being good citizens? Why do you say that?
  • As a citizen/person living in the United States, how can I both know what’s going on in our local, state and national government AND how can I influence those governments?
  • How do the political parties use symbols to connect or communicate with people?
  • How can I decide who to vote for?
  • Why do the candidates want to be president/governor/senator?
  • Are the candidates being good speakers and listeners? Why do you say that?
  • How does a candidate win the election?
  • What issues do candidates want to influence? What can/will the candidate do about the issue if elected?
  • What are the issues the candidates talk about? Why do they talk about those issues?
  • Do the candidates use more opinion or fact when talking about issues?
  • What are the strengths, weaknesses and consequences of the candidates proposals?
  • Why should I vote?
  • How do I evalute sources? What is a “quality” source? Who should I believe?