The Media Library of Genesee Valley BOCES

Program 13: Elections (30 min):This program explores the crucial role of strategy in the two-stage electoor; and the need for campaigns to increase voter turnout by educating citizens about the importance and influence of their vote. Program 14: Interest Groups (30 min.) This program shows how Americas large number of corporate, citizen-action, and grass-roots interest groups enhance our representative process by giving citizens a role in shaping policy agendas

Program 3: Federalism (30 min) - This program explores federalism as a Constitutional compromise, especially in terms of present-day conflicts between people who believe that power should reside primarily in the national government and those who want government authority retained within the states.

Introduces basic concepts of government, politics, and citizenship. It explores the tension between maintaining order and preserving freedoms, the essential role of politics in addressing the will of the people, and the need for citizens to participate in order to make democracy work

Considers the declining levels of voting among 18-24-year olds, raising the question whether such disenfranchisement threatens American democracy. With its unique blend of representative and participatory democracy, America requires the full participation of its citizens, in civil life as well as at the voting booth

This program examines the need for the United States to use the tools of foreign policy in ways that recognize the growing interdependence of nations implementing both traditional and new forms of military, trade, and diplomatic strategies to promote benefits for America and the world as a whole

This program tells about the legislative branch of the federal government, including the qualifications to be members, the powers each house has, the routing of a bill to be passed, states' rights, and more

Examines the major grass roots American political movements, especially those concerning groups excluded from voting. Women's Suffrage, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Vietnam anti-war protests are examined for their impact on how passionately-involved citizens can make a difference in the direction of American democracy

From the early days of presidential elections to the Florida Bush/ Gore election recount fiasco, students will see first hand how the election process operates. This program explains the oftentimes- confusing popular vote verses the electoral vote. Also, legal requirements, primaries, conventions, campaigns are covered. The impact of radio and television on Presidential politics is discussed

Program 11: Public Opinion: This program examines the power of public opinion to influence government policy, the increasing tendency of public officials to rely on polls, and the need to use many forms of feedback to get an accurate measure of public opinion. Program 12: Political Parties: This program shows how political parties perform important functions that link the public to the institutions of American government.

Considers whether the resurgence of volunteerism and civic-mindedness after 9/11 will be sustained over the long term. Describes the lasting surge of community involvement during World War II and examines the political and social causes of civic disenfranchisement in the decades since the 60's. Reveals how young people at the end of the 19th century responded to civic disenfranchisement and looks at how today's youth are boosting community involvement through volunteerism