Who would you vote for? Federal Political Parties Tell-it-like-It-is Activity

Before we start, do this: Self Test. WHERE DO YOU FIT INTO THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM?

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You will be placed in a group that represents one of the 5 major Canadian federal political parties. Your goal is to research your party and create a poster learning station that the rest of the class can visit and learn enough to help them decide whether or not to support your party. Your group will also present a brief introduction to your station.

Here’s the rub. You must be honest. What does your party truthfully believe? No media spin, no exaggeration, no politician smooth talk. No negative attack ads against the opposition.

STEP ONE: RESEARCH

Gather information to answer ALL of the following questions. Consult the official party sites and also other sources whose critical opinion might help you create a more honest balanced viewpoint (e.g. look to the Liberals to see what they say about the Conservatives). Ask family members to share their political views.

Your poster learning station must include information the following questions, but preferably not as a Q and A. Please be creative.

1. Who is the leader and what in their experience and background qualifies them to be Prime Minister?

2. How many seats does the party have in the House of Commons? Does the party represent the interests of all of Canada?

3. Where do they fit on the Political Spectrum?

4. Where does your party plan to be in 5 years?

5. Choose 3 major issues identified by the party. Explain why they are so important to the party.

6. Who is the typical voter for this party?

7. What do members of the party believe in? What do they value? Do they have a stated philosophy?

8. What are members most proud of?

9. What are members NOT proud of?

STEP TWO: CREATE THE POSTER AND PRESENTATION

STEP THREE: WALK

All students will visit all stations, filling in this form.  Download form      

Party	What I like about the party	What I don’t like about the party	My level of support 1 - 5 1=My first choice. They get my vote! 5= NO way	Group who did the best display (one vote only)          X
Conservative Party Parti conservateur
Liberal Party Parti libéral
Green Party Parti vert
New Democratic Party  Nouveau Parti démocratique
Bloc Québécois

 

STEP FOUR: IN CLASS ESSAY

You will write a thoughtful paragraph about the party you are likely to vote for in the next election, including: why they appeal to your values, and their ideas that you like.