I want to thank David James for his help this week in focusing our research.

This week we will be combining three strategies to further your understanding of the American political system. These are:

• Establishing your political opinion
• Researching key issues in the coming presidential election
• Supporting your opinions with research on the message board
• Debating your classmates' ideas

Step #1: Go to the following web site created to see which presidential candidate matches your views. Once at this site, fill out the survey. Once you are done with the survey, you will have a list of the top candidates with a score for each. Please write down the top two candidates and the scores you received for each.

http://www.selectsmart.com/PRESIDENT/

Step #2: On this page, there are 17 key issues which the candidates face this coming election. Your job is to research the issue. The information you are looking for should include who is effected, what is occurring, why is it a problem, and what are the various opinions. You will then need to place a message on the message board. Each submission is worth 10 points:

• Issue explained in detail
• Your opinion is clearly stated (you do not need to say, "I feel..." or "I believe..."
• Your opinion is backed with research
• The website address where you found the information
• Your top two candidates and scores from the survey given in Step #1

Due to the sensitivity of the issue, please do not research the issue of abortion.

There will be 16 remaining issues from which to research. Only one person should initiate a discussion on an issue. You are then free to respond to any other classmate's opinions. The first person to submit an issue receives 5 points extra credit. You may only submit one new issue.

You can receive extra credit this week if you go over the 30 points.

From the last time you were on the Internet, here are a few items to remember:

• You must back your opinions with ORIGINAL research. Do not simply sponge off the ideas of others
• Please keep your comments focused on the issue at hand
• Debate people's issues, not people
• Please refrain from making this your personal forum to be humorous

I was extremely impressed with your comments a few weeks ago, and I look forward to reading your interactions this week.