1. Set Focus
Frame the inquiry with this essential question: What is the role of a political party in a democracy?
2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the debate and then answer the following questions:
- What is the issue being debated? How does it relate to current events? (The issue is whether the U.S. needs a third major political party. The issue is timely because 2024 is a presidential election year.)
- Evaluate why these two authors might be interested in and qualified to comment on this issue. (David Hess is the treasurer of the Oregon Progressive Party, which is an alternative to the Democratic and Republican parties. Daniel DiSalvo is a professor of political science at City College of New York.)