Gov't webquest

Webquest to find government offices and candidates running for office

1. Finding Candidates For Finding Candidates For
Your Local, State, and Your Local, State, and
National GovernmentNational Government
Web QuestWeb Quest

2. IntroductionIntroduction
We the People have a civic responsibility We the People have a civic responsibility
to participate in governmentto participate in government
Voting is a common action in participationVoting is a common action in participation
It is vitally important to educate ourselves It is vitally important to educate ourselves
about the people running for officeabout the people running for office
This Quest will help you to educate This Quest will help you to educate
yourself and make an informed decision yourself and make an informed decision
on Election Dayon Election Day

3. TaskTask
By the end of this Quest you will be able to find credible By the end of this Quest you will be able to find credible
sources of information about the individuals running for sources of information about the individuals running for
office and then use the information to make an informed office and then use the information to make an informed
decision about who to vote for on election daydecision about who to vote for on election day
Your task is to select a local, state, or national office or Your task is to select a local, state, or national office or
more to quickly understand its responsibilities more to quickly understand its responsibilities
Use the resources provided to research the candidates Use the resources provided to research the candidates
running for officerunning for office
Use the template provided to compare and contrast the Use the template provided to compare and contrast the
candidates for your preferencecandidates for your preference
Reflect and think about your decisionReflect and think about your decision

4. ProcessProcess
Select the sites linked on the resources page (up next) Select the sites linked on the resources page (up next)
to research the government office and to find a to research the government office and to find a
comprehensive list of candidates running for office that comprehensive list of candidates running for office that
represent yourepresent you
Use the other links for finding out about the offices and Use the other links for finding out about the offices and
candidatescandidates
Select the links for the individual candidates you choose Select the links for the individual candidates you choose
to researchto research
Take notes of the specific positions and policy proposals Take notes of the specific positions and policy proposals
of the candidatesof the candidates
View an example after the resources page to create a View an example after the resources page to create a
visual diagram of comparison and contrast for the visual diagram of comparison and contrast for the
candidatescandidates

5. ResourcesResources
Source of State and Congressional Candidates and Local NewsSource of State and Congressional Candidates and Local News
Find out who represents you currentlyFind out who represents you currently
Find local and county government infoFind local and county government info
Project Vote SmartProject Vote Smart
Indiana Elections and Elected OfficialsIndiana Elections and Elected Officials
Great map locator of local, state, national officialsGreat map locator of local, state, national officials

6. Example Pros/Cons DiagramExample Pros/Cons Diagram
Results/Summary
Cons for
Candidate
Pros for Candidate
Issue/Position 4
Issue/Position 3
Issue/Position 2
Issue/Position 1
Candidate #2Candidate #1

7. EvaluationEvaluation
Describe the office of government you are Describe the office of government you are
researching for finding the candidatesresearching for finding the candidates
Create your own diagram or pros/cons list Create your own diagram or pros/cons list
to analyze the candidates for your to analyze the candidates for your
selectionselection
Use the rubric (next page) for creating Use the rubric (next page) for creating
your description and diagramyour description and diagram

8. Finding and Researching Government Candidates
Student barely or
did not provide
any information or
detail in
comparing and/or
contrasting
candidates (1 or
no points of
description)
Student provided
little information
or detail in
comparing and/or
contrasting
candidates (1
point of
description)
Student provided
some detailed
information in
comparing and
contrasting
candidates (2
points of
description)
Student provided
detailed
information for
comparing and
contrasting
candidates (3 or
more points of
description)
Candidate
Compare/Contra
st Diagram:
Student barely
used or did not
describe the
office (1 or no
points of
description)
Student used little
information for
describing the
office (1 point of
description)
Student provided
some information
for describing the
office (2 points of
description)
Student provided
detailed
information and
examples for
describing the
office (3 or more
points of
description)
Description of
Government
Office:
Student used one
or no links for
research for
researching
offices and
candidates
Students used
some links for
researching
offices or
candidates
Student used
most available
links for
researching
offices and
candidates
Student used all
available and
additional links for
researching
offices and
candidates
Government
Office and
Candidate
Research:
1. Novice2. Apprentice3. Proficient4. Distinguished

9. ConclusionConclusion
After your research and careful thought about After your research and careful thought about
the candidates, reflect on your decisionthe candidates, reflect on your decision
Does the candidate represent what you want Does the candidate represent what you want
from government for the peoplefrom government for the people
Please visit the Forum at Mr. Finkbiner’s Website Please visit the Forum at Mr. Finkbiner’s Website
HEREHERE to share your thoughts about the Web to share your thoughts about the Web
Quest and candidates running for office Quest and candidates running for office
(remember to use facts and be respectful)(remember to use facts and be respectful)
Discussing your knowledge and views can Discussing your knowledge and views can
further educate yourself and others further educate yourself and others

10. Indiana Academic StandardsIndiana Academic Standards
USG.3.16USG.3.16Explain the organization of state and local Explain the organization of state and local
governments in Indiana and analyze how they affect the lives of governments in Indiana and analyze how they affect the lives of
citizenscitizens
USG.5.3USG.5.3 Analyze the roles of citizens in Indiana and the United Analyze the roles of citizens in Indiana and the United
States States
USG.5.12USG.5.12Use information from a variety of resources to describe Use information from a variety of resources to describe
and discuss American political issues such as environmental issues, and discuss American political issues such as environmental issues,
women’s rights and affirmative action.women’s rights and affirmative action.
USG.5.9USG.5.9 Describe opportunities available to individuals to Describe opportunities available to individuals to
contribute to the well-being of their communities and participate contribute to the well-being of their communities and participate
responsibly in the political process at local, state and national levels responsibly in the political process at local, state and national levels
of governmentof government