Political Party

For each issue below, circle the letter that comes closest to representing your point of view.  Write the letter of your selections in the position tracking grid where it says “My Positions.”  Star the one choice you believe in the most.  You may not compromise on this issue until the final round.

Issue 1: Gun Control

A.      Current gun laws (Limits on who owns guns, when you can own them, limits on use of and style of guns) are a violation of our 2^nd Amendment rights.

B.       We should maintain and enforce our current gun laws.

C.       Handguns and assault weapons should be illegal in the United States.

Issue 2: Homeland Security

A.      Limiting personal freedoms is necessary to protect personal safety

B.       I am willing to compromise some personal freedoms (giving up a few) temporarily in order to protect personal safety.

C.       “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety”

Issue 3: Affirmative Action

A.      Affirmative action programs must be eliminated because they discriminate against the majority

B.       Discrimination is not as big a problem now and some programs should be eliminated

C.       We must continue to add to programs that protect and promote people who have been discriminated against.

Issue 4: Gay Marriages

A.      A Constitutional amendment is necessary to stop States from defining marriage as they wish and to protect the sanctity of marriage on which our society is founded.

B.        A Constitutional amendment defining marriage may be needed but should include a provision allowing for civil union between partners

C.       No Constitutional amendment defining marriage is necessary.  It is a States issue.  Whatever people do on their own is their own business.

Issue 5: Environment

A.      Laws protecting wildlife and restricting pollution are costing many American jobs.

B.       Current environment laws have been successful and should be continued

C.       We need to take more steps to protect wildlife and to eliminate pollution

Issue 6: Federal Budget

A.      The surplus should be returned to tax payers in the form of tax rate cuts

B.       The surplus should be used to help save Social Security and pay down the national debt.

C.       The surplus should be used to create new programs for education and help the nation’s poor and elderly

Issue 7: Welfare

A.      Welfare programs should be cut drastically and people pushed to work.

B.       People should get welfare for only a limited time.

C.       We must have more programs for the poor, particularly children

Issue 8: Foreign Policy

A.      The U.S. should lead the way in securing Democracy around the world

B.       If it effects our national security the U.S. should lead the way in nation building

C.       The U.S. should allow regions of the world to decide their own governments no matter the situation

Directions:  During the simulation, use this grid to keep track of your positions on the 8 issues.  Record your position as A,B, or C.  Be sure to put a star by the issue you think is most important.