Politics and Political

Topics covered in class:

• Branches of American Government:

• Politics
• Political
• Political Activism
• Party System
• Legislative Branch
• Vice President's role in breaking a tie
• House
• Senate
• Age Requirements for House and Senate
• "Political" Children's Lit

I'm Just a Bill from Schoolhouse Rock

Parody of I'm Just a Bill by Follow the Money

Assignments:

1. Research your favorite Nursery Rhyme or Children's Picture Book.  Does it have "political" themes?  What was the original intent of the story/rhyme?  What was the historical setting?
2. What does a "Party System" mean?  How is the Party System played out in US Goverment?  How is it played out in other countries?
3. Sometimes political is associated with corrupt.  Find a time in American History where there were corrupt political events -- be prepared to discuss.  Were laws enacted to end the corruption?  How did the creators of the Consititution seek to deal with corruption?  Find a news story about recent political corruption and bring it to class for discussion.  What is being done to deal with it?
4. How can corruption in Governments on a Global scale influence or impact American Government and Policies?  Find a recent news story about this for class discussion.
5. What is a Lobby?  How are they regulated?  What do you think about this part of American Government?  What is the history of lobbying?  Are there any that represent you?  Be prepared to discuss.
6. How are Political Campaigns funded?  What are the regulations on different groups?  Where does the money come from?  

Check out these links to help you with your assignments:

• Dr. Seuss Went to War (blends the political cartooons and Dr. Seuss)
• PBS Independent Lens The Political Dr. Seuss (notice the turtles!)
• The National WWII Museum's Dr. Seuss and Political Cartoons (Lesson Plan on Analyzing Political Cartoons)
• The Atlantic's Article: Tales for Little Rebels: The Design of Radical Children's Literature (Book Review of Tales for Little Rebels)
• Boston Globe: Political Themes in Classic Children's Books
• Mental Floss: 10 Stories Behind Dr. Seuss Stories
• A Brief History of American Political Parties (if you go to the HOME of this link you will see the LOTR quote)
• PBS NOW Dixiecrats
• Kate Sally Palmer's Political Cartoons of Strom Thurmond (Clemson University Strom Thurmond Institute)
• The White House: The Legislative Branch
• The United States House of Representatives: Branches of Government
• The Supreme Court Historical Society (an extra -- cool site!  Search Taft and learn something interesting)
• United States Senate: History of Lobbying
• PBS Bill Moyers: Moyers on Money and Politics (videos on topics you are researching)
• Jimmy Fallon Taylor Swift and Obama VOTE smash-up
• Follow the Money
• Jimmy Kimmel Video -- Political Activism (emotional responses):

What is Lobbying and Why is it Important by ALL (American League of Lobbyists)

Fact of Congress: Lobbying

Please come prepared for some great discussions!  Can't wait to hear your favorite "political" Children's Lit!