Segment 3

Reading Comprehension

Read the article "'Moral Values' Myth" by Charles Krauthammer.

Answer the following questions:


1. Which group does Charles Krauthammer say the democrats blamed for their defeat in 1994? 2004?
   
   
2. What evidence does Krauthammer use to support his argument that more than the Christian Right elected President Bush?
   
   
3. What evidence does Krauthammer say the media used to support their claims that religion and morality determined people's votes in the last election?
   
   
4. How does Krauthammer counter this evidence?
   
   
5. According to Krauthammer, what is the link between President Bush's victory and the gay marriage referendums in 11 states?
   
   

Answer key

[^Return to top]

Critical Thinking

Answer the following questions:


1. Why do political parties tend to lump all their opponents together in terms of interests and issues?
   
   
2. Do you think exit polls in particular and polls in general affect how people think about issues or are they only a reflection of public opinion?
   
   
   
3. Mark Twain once said, "There are three types of lies-lies, damn lies, and statistics". Based on his dissection of the 2004 election exit polls, Krauthammer might agree. What makes a poll reliable? Are there results always subject to interpretation? Why or why not?
   
   
4. After reading both articles, "Decoding 'Moral Values'" and "'Moral Values' Myth," how do you imagine Charles Krauthammer and Aly Colón might agree or disagree on the following question: In what ways do people's moral convictions drive their votes?
   
   
5. If you were hired as a consultant to the Republican Party, what advice would you give them for appealing to devoutly religious voters while maintaining their own identity as a party? How about if you were hired by the Democrats?
   
   

Answer key

[^Return to top]

Research Challenges

1. Learn about the Gingrich Revolution in 1994. What were the main goals of this movement? Have they been met? Compare the current goals of the Republican Party to those in 1994.
   
   Related links:
   Republican National Committee
   
   
2. Investigate how polls are created. What are some of the variables the creators must consider as they design a poll? What are some of the factors that determine their margin for error?
   
   
3. Select a religiously divisive issue. See how the two major parties address the issue.
   
   Related links:
   Republican National Committee
   Democratic National Committee

Answer key

[^Return to top]

Key Terms and Topics

Terms

Answer key

[^Return to top]

Click on these links to find further instructional ideas and study guides for the material on the Mirror on Morality Web site.

Segment 1: Beth Jacob congregation, Mendota Heights Listen (8:25)

Segment 2: Decoding 'Moral Values' Read