In a well-crafted essay employing the techniques put forward in the Essay Guidelines, create an imaginary political party.
Feel free to utilize an existing party or create one with your preferences from scratch. Specify the country and/or region the party will seek to win, whether it be the United States, Arizona, Mexico, France, or someplace else.
When creating a party, one can begin with principles the party stands for, a demographic it will represent, and/or a statement of what the new party will oppose.
Consider what motivates the creation of your new party. Recall, for example, that the Republican Party was formed in the 1850s to halt the expansion of slavery. Explain the need for your new party.
Discuss your party’s positions. Among those issues you might find it necessary to discuss are: property rights, political participation (inclusion, restriction), civil rights, military service, wealth distribution, education, infrastructure, crime, immigration and borders, foreign affairs, senior citizens, political donations (money), government efficiency, justice,and child welfare.
Imagine who would be drawn to your party and its chances for electoral success (be certain to define what success means). Think about location (urban, suburban, rural, north, south, west, east), economic position, race, and gender.
Who or what would oppose you, why would they oppose you, and would they succeed in marginalizing your party?
Would any contemporary politicians or leaders be drawn to your party, either as leaders or mobilizers? What public figures might be expected to oppose your party?
Please draw on anything we have discussed in class. This is not a research project. The lectures, discussions, and textbook on Reserve in the Library should provide more than sufficient material for you to utilize.
By the same token, please recall that a successful student demonstrates that she or he has paid attention to lectures and class discussion. Consider this exam to be part of our larger conversation.
