Core Democratic Value: Popular Sovereignty
Grade Level: 6-8

I. Obiectives: Students will:

1. Answer two sequence questions.
2. Choose which candidate they agree with and why.
3. Distinguish the similarities and differences between McCain's and Bush's agenda.
4. Underline Bush's agenda throughout the article.

II. Activities:
1. Answer the following sequence questions:

a. What are the differences between Bush's educational reform and McCain's?

The answer is highlighted in the news article. Bush's reform ideas are highlighted in pink. McCain's ideas are highlighted in yellow.

b. How would you describe the notion that Bush is considered an imitator of McCain?

Answers may vary. An example might be:

He originally was known as a compassionate conservative, but after McCain dominated voters, Bush reemerged as a reformer with results. He copied McCain's idea because he was losing. (Comprehension)

2. Have the students answer this higher level thinking question: Which candidate do you Agree with and why?

Answers may vary. Example:

I agree with McCain because I liked his position on education.

3. Individually, have the students write down questions about the similarities and differences they found in the article on separate pieces of paper. Then have them fold all the pieces in half, place them in a bowl, and then the teacher pulls out the paper and the students have to guess who's agenda it is.

Whose agenda includes a trillion-plus dollar tax credit? (Bush)

Whose agenda wants to radically restructure the military;?
(Both: Bush and McCain)

4. See the underlined portion of the article for examples of Bush's agenda.