BELLRINGER:On the back of the handout, complete the bellringer prompt.

Write down the candidate you support and give three reasons why you support that candidate.

Candidate Blind MatchAVID: Election 2012

Directions1. After reading each candidates stance on the issue listed,

move to the side of the room you most likely agree with.

2. Once everyone has chosen a side you will try to guess which candidate is which.

3. Once the candidate is revealed, write down the positions on your handout. CIRCLE the position you supported.

4. After the activity complete the reflection questions. Complete the reflection on the back of the handout.

Candidate A Candidate B

Issue #1: Healthcare

Healthcare reform law aims for universal health insurance coverage by requiring individuals who are not otherwise covered to purchase insurance

Believes that the federal government should not require citizens to have health insurance; would encourage individuals without insurance to buy it on the private market

Candidate A Candidate B

Issue #2: Taxes

Believes in the so-called Buffett Rule, which asks millionaires and billionaires to pay more in taxes.

Believes lower tax rates will encourage businesses and economic growth. He says the U.S. government should reduce spending to allow for more tax cuts.

Candidate A Candidate B

Issue #3: Education

Believes parents should have more choices in how their kids receive an education, whether from a public, private, charter or online school.

He urges states to have high standards in public schools and develop new programs for students.

Candidate A Candidate B

Issue #4: Defense

Believes in cutting down on defense spending, which includes cuts to the U.S. military.

Believes in rebuilding military strength with government spending

Candidate A Candidate B

Issue #5: Labor Unions

Believes most labor unions provide an overall benefit to their workers in the US

Does not believe most labor unions provide an overall benefit to their workers in the US

Reflection:

1. Were you surprised by the positions of any of the candidates? Explain

2. Were you surprised by which candidate you agreed with more often? Why?

3. What other factors, besides position on the issues, might have influenced your candidate choice before learning more about each candidate?

4. Have students return to their bell-ringer and write which candidate they now support and why. Is it the same candidate they listed at the beginning of class? If not, what changed their mind?