1. Political Party Ice Breaker

2. Where do you stand? Examine each of the categories around the room.
On the Political Party Icebreaker Worksheet - write down if you agree more with view A or B.
Then assign a number value to your position indicating your level of agreement with each category.
3 – Mostly Agree
2 – Moderately Agree
1 – Somewhat Agree

3. The Economy and Taxes A
In favor a progressive tax system in which the wealthy pay a larger share than the poor
Against international free trade agreements because they claim that such trade agreements hurt American workers and in particular unions
Believe in a balanced budget and are willing to raise taxes if needed
Make laws to protect American businesses from international competition B
In favor of a smaller government
Generally for free market agreements with other countries, like NAFTA- North American Free Trade Agreement.
Vehemently against raising taxes even if it means a budget deficit
Believe in global trade and don’t tend to protect US businesses from international competition

4. National Defense and Security
Tend to cut the military budget
Generally want to avoid American military intervention unless supported by the United Nations
Tend to believe in diplomacy and are slow to go to war B
Believe in a strong military and are willing to pay for it with government money
Believe in confronting American enemies with or without UN support
Believe in using military intervention when American interests or security is threatened

5. Entitlements- Welfare, Medicaid, Social Security, Health Care
Generally think that the government should provide a broad safety net (health care, education, welfare, food stamps, social security) for the poor and others.
Government policies help the common good and are compassionate B
Generally think the government should limit or reduce the safety net for the poor.
believe that private businesses and non-profit charities can provide the same services.

6. Crime and Punishment A
Focus on rehabilitation programs [long prison sentences for convicted criminals]
Against the death penalty
Focus on rights of the accused B
Prison sentences as a deterrent to crime
Support the death penalty
Strict penalties for convicted criminals

7. Environmental Protection
Strict Gov’t regulations on businesses to protect the environment
Global warming is a real threat B
Fewer Gov’t restrictions on businesses in the hopes that wealthier companies will be able to be more environmental
Global warming is not a real threat

8. Abortion and Stem Cell Research
Pro-choice [a woman should always have the right to choose to have an abortion]
Favor stem-cell research B
Pro-life [do not believe that women have a right to have an abortion] – considered to be murder
Against stem-cell research

9. Energy Policy A
Focus on researching alternative energy sources for the future B
Focus on securing existing energy sources for the present and future

10. Same Sex Marriage & Civil Rights Laws
Tend to support the right for same-sex couples to marry B
Tend to oppose the right for same-sex couples to marry

11. Education A
Oppose using tax money for school choice (vouchers and charters) B
Favor using tax money for school choice (vouchers and charters)

12. Immigration A Favor looser immigration laws
Some favor “Amnesty” for illegals already in the country B
Favor stricter immigration laws
Some favor punishment or deportation for illegals already in the country