Describes three class activities that help students analyze the mass media messages of political candidates and that give students insights into language manipulation techniques. (RL)

Examines four simulation games used in higher education to teach the role of elections in promoting governmental responsibility, the effects of imperfect accountability on governmental policy, and ways to make governments more accountable. These games simulate interest group lobbying, political party formation, bureaucratic policy making, and…

Election of Bill Clinton as President has injected Washington, DC, with optimism, but few observers believe his promises will be accomplished without eruptions of conflict, frustration, and acrimony. The 103rd Congress must face pressing issues immediately, concerning health care and benefits, higher education financing, and research and…

This study of incumbent British Columbia school board members prior to election analyzes relationships between individual members' feelings of political efficacy and trust and their decisions to seek or not seek reelection. The 60 subjects, from 24 districts, represented candidates (those members seeking reelection) and retirees (members not…

Observes the ideological evolution of the Likud party in Israel. For years the Likud labored in the shadow of the predominant socialist party structure, emerging in 1977 as a major political force. Although united in their core belief of sovereignty for Jewish settlements, the party recently has suffered political fragmentation. (MJP)

Presents a concise overview of the responsibilities, membership, structure, and requirements of the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Created in 1974, the FEC oversees the financial activities of candidates and political parties. Discusses corporate and union political action committees (PACs) as well as contribution limits and prohibitions. (MJP)

Examines one of the least understood institutions of U.S. politics, the Electoral College. Discusses the historical circumstances resulting in its creation as well as the current structure and membership. Provides arguments for and against continuation of the Electoral College. (MJP)

Criticizes the presidential primary process as possibly leading to the destruction of the two-party system. Claims that the current process limits the competition to the rich and famous, enhances the worst aspects of campaigning, and evaluates candidates purely on their political skills. Briefly discusses some reform proposals. (MJP)

Presents a concise overview of the complicated web of laws and regulations governing the financing of federal political campaigns. Discusses related issues such as "soft money," and the conflict between restrictive campaign regulations and free speech. Notes that regulation of state elections remains with the states. (MJP)

Maintains that current campaign finance laws and regulations unfairly advantage incumbents and discourage challengers. This has resulted in the predominance of interest groups, media campaigns, and an emphasis on fund raising over political leadership. Argues for campaign finance laws written to serve the public interest. (MJP)

Outlines and discusses a system for predicting the winner in presidential elections. The system consists of 13 statements favoring reelection for the incumbent party. Five or fewer false statements indicate an incumbent win. Predicts President Clinton winning the 1996 election. Includes tables showing veracity of 13 keys in historical elections.…

Presents a lesson plan for middle school students that helps them develop an understanding of the Electoral College and the role of political parties in presidential elections. After receiving related background material and handouts, students play a question-and-answer game modeled on the television show "Jeopardy." (MJP)