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Show me the Money!!!!

A Webquest on Campaign Finance Laws

This lesson was designed for 10th grade National, State, and Local Government students in Montgomery County Public Schools, Montgomery County, Maryland.  

Lesson Objectives:

• The student will analyze strategies that special interest groups use to initiate change in governmental policy.

• The student will evaluate the ways in which government policy is shaped and set, specifically including special interest groups.

• The student will evaluate the effectiveness of the new campaign finance law in the context of the American political system.

Length of Lesson:

•  The webquest is designed to be completed in four -  45 minute class periods:

• 1 class:  Individuals complete background readings on campaign finance reform

• 1 class:  Individuals research their individual roles.

• 1 class:  Students come together, exchange information and debate position.

• 1 class:  Students write position paper.

Helpful Teacher Hints:

• The Task asked of the students has two components:  an individual one (background) and a group one (position paper).  Teachers may chose to grade each component or only the group (rubric included).  Teachers should guide students through the process of writing a position paper if needed.  

• The Background for All section was designed to give the students background on the complex subject of campaign finance.  It is suggested that the teacher have a short discussion with the students after this section is completed to check their understanding.  The student handout was designed to be printed and handed out to the students prior to their beginning their research.

• The Process section was designed to guide the students along in their research.  Again, a student handout was designed in the form of a graphic organizer so that a student could document his/her research directly on the handout and then exchange and document other students' research. 

• The Research section was put together to try and allow the students to gain a perspective on their role using various sources, including primary as well as secondary.  

• The Conclusion was designed to extend the lesson further by getting students to think critically about the new legislation and address other areas of it.  

I hope you and your students enjoy this Webquest!  Your comments or suggestions on how to improve the lesson would be greatly appreciated!!!

Created By:
Lisa Vardi
Social Studies Teacher
Sherwood High School, MCPS
Last updated September 07, 2002