Segment 2: "A Peek into the Minds of Political Donors"

The following questions are based on the Marketplace feature "Whose Democracy is it?"

Listen to segment 2 (04:51)

Listening Comprehension Questions

1) How much money is President Bush's campaign expected to raise this year?

2) Why does Mary Alice McClarty contribute to political campaigns?

3) What two things does Larry Noble of the Center for Responsive Politics urge citizens to do in order to make elections more democratic?

Answer key

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Critical Thinking Questions

1) Why does Bill Silvera object to those who don't donate money to political campaigns?

2) How does Hollywood's version of politics differ from actual politics when it comes to financial contributions?

3) Some people argue that fundraising hinders democracy in America, while others say that it involves more people in the democratic process. Which argument do you find more convincing and why?

Answer key

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Research Challenges

1) Find out what you can about the role of political action committees and "soft money" in American elections. What debates surround their presence?

2) Interview an adult you know and ask them why they do or do not contribute money to political campaigns.

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Key Terms and Topics

• Fundraiser
• GOP
• Gripe
• Cement
• Idealistic
• Ideals
• Partisan
• Conviction
• Freshman Senator
• Disclosure
• Soft Money
• Egalitarian

Answer key

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Click on these links to find further instructional ideas and study guides for the material in "Joe Carter and the Legacy of the African-American Spiritual."

Segment 1: "Political Polling: From Policy Gauge to Marketing Tool" Listen (05:35)

Segment 3: "A Day in the Life of Political Fundraisers" Listen (04:25)