Party Declaration

Approximately five weeks into the semester, students formally declare their political identity.  This culminating event is the end product of weeks of classroom discussion of issues that are designed to allow students to form and evaluate their values and beliefs in the context of the existing political environment.  A political profile assignment helps students reflect on their beliefs and apply them to a liberal/conservative framework.  Students give a short speech about their political identity in front of their class and then post their name on a large Political Spectrum Bulletin Board in the spot they feel best reflects their political beliefs. They also declare affiliation with either the Democratic or the Republican Party, or as an Independent.

Our legislatures, and our entire political system at the state and federal level, are organized around parties. Because the course is designed as a simulation of a legislature, party affiliation is an authentic element. Using these structures as part of the class helps students understand how our government works and what role partisanship plays in lawmaking and elections. It also prepares them to become voters and participants in our two party system, and to understand the strengths, challenges, and limitations of having two parties.

Teachers emphasize that that students are just sharing their perception of where they align for this moment. At the end of the semester students have a chance to move their posted position. Many students move left and right, and some switch parties. Throughout the semester students frequently “cross the aisle” to speak and vote on issues supported by the other party.

 The stage is now set for the upcoming leadership elections and the establishment of committees.