Read this prompt
Use your knowledge of Local, State and National Government to answer the following constructed response question:
Define political parties.
Explain why voters might decide to support a third party.
Describe two ways in which a strong third party would make the American political system more democratic.
Use details and examples to support your answer.
Organize your answers to the prompt.
1. Claim (Answer to the Question):
2. Evidence 1 (Information/Example/Fact):
3. Reasoning (Why/How the Evidence Supports Your Claim):
4. Evidence 2 (Information/Example/Fact):
5. Reasoning (Why/How the Evidence Supports Your Claim):
6. Concluding Sentence:
1. Claim: Political parties are organized groups of individuals who share similar political beliefs and goals, and who work together to influence public policy and win elections.
2. Evidence 1: In the United States, there are two major political parties, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. These parties have a long history and are well-established in terms of party structure, membership, and influence.
3. Reasoning: The evidence supports the claim because it demonstrates that political parties are organized groups with specific ideologies and objectives. Through their organization and membership, political parties are able to effectively mobilize resources, campaign for candidates, and articulate policy positions.
4. Evidence 2: Voters might decide to support a third party because they feel dissatisfied or disillusioned with the major political parties. Third parties often provide alternative perspectives and policy platforms that resonate with certain voters who do not align with the Democratic or Republican Party.
5. Reasoning: This evidence supports the claim by showing that voters choose to support third parties as a way to challenge the dominance of the two major parties and advocate for different policy agendas. By supporting a third party, voters can amplify their voices and encourage a more diverse representation of ideas in the political system.
6. Concluding Sentence: A strong third party would make the American political system more democratic by promoting increased competition, diversity of ideas, and alternative policy solutions that better reflect a range of voter preferences.