Which of the following best describes
the difference between the Democratic
and Republican party platforms in 2000
on the issue of school choice?
1. Republicans favored increasing
property taxes that private
schools have to pay.
2. Democrats favored closing schools
where scores on national achievement
tests were below average.
3. Republicans opposed charter schools.
4. Democrats opposed private school
vouchers.
I don't think it was number 2.
Can you help?
Democrats are strongly for quality public eduction for all, including disadvantaged and handicaped children. Siphoning away the more capapable students with federal funds to private schools would leave the other kids at a public school, making a mockery of education. It would have been education for the most fit, the most priviledged, and relegated blacks, poor, and handicaped to no choices. Number 4 was the logical choice.
To determine the best answer, let's analyze the remaining options and the historical context of the Democratic and Republican party platforms in 2000 related to the issue of school choice.
Option 1 states that Republicans favored increasing property taxes that private schools have to pay. While property taxes can play a role in funding public education, this statement does not explicitly address school choice or the specific differences between the parties' platforms.
Option 3 suggests that Republicans opposed charter schools. However, charter schools have different educational models and may be considered as part of the school choice discussion. Therefore, this statement does not provide a clear distinction between the two parties' positions on school choice.
Option 4 states that Democrats opposed private school vouchers. This statement addresses the concept of school choice directly, as vouchers are a form of government funding that allows parents to use public funds to enroll their children in private schools. By opposing private school vouchers, Democrats are expressing their stance against using public funds for private education, which aligns with their party platform.
Considering the context and the options presented, it is likely that option 4, "Democrats opposed private school vouchers," best describes the difference between the Democratic and Republican party platforms in 2000 on the issue of school choice.