Iowa Caucus Simulation

You will be participating in a simulation that has been designed to help you understand how the Iowa caucus works.

You will:

be assigned a Republican presidential candidate (Carson, Fiorina, Rubio, Bush, Cruz, Kasich, or Paul)
research that candidate’s stance on key issues
produce campaign materials for that candidate and campaign in class for that candidate
vote in the caucus (though not for your own candidate!)

Grading

Articulation of candidate positions - 40% - due Thursday, November 3

You must describe your candidate’s current position on all of the following issues:

Climate change
Tax policy
Immigration
Gun Control
Same sex marriage
Abortion
Marijuana legalization

You must cite your evidence for all seven positions (at least one link per position). Recent statements should be given more credence than older statements (i.e. Obama’s stance on same-sex marriage is different now than it was 5 years ago). Post on the Google Group.

A - Thoroughly described all positions with proper citation

B - Most positions described well with proper citation

C - Briefly described all positions with proper citation

D - Briefly described all/some positions with no citation

F - Positions descriptions and/or citations not complete or incorrect

Campaign material - 40% - due Tuesday, November 8

Create a campaign poster or commercial containing either A) one of your candidate’s positions and/or B) bashing one of your candidate’s opponent’s positions.

Participation - 10% - caucus simulation on Tuesday, November 15

A - Required materials turned in on time, enthusiastic participation in simulation

B - Required materials turned in on time, some participation in simulation

C - Required materials turned in on time, did not actively participate in simulation

D - Required materials late, enthusiastic participation in campaigning for candidate

F - Required materials late, not in class or did not actively participate in simulation

Candidate caucus performance - 10% - caucus simulation on Thursday, November 19

1st place = A+

2nd and 3rd place = A

4th place = A-

5th, 6th, 7th place = B

Order of events on day of simulation:

5 mins - Students stump for their candidate - 35 mins

1 minute - secret ballot (primary election for comparison) - 36 mins

5-10 minute free for all (horse trading, alliance making, etc?) - 46 mins

2 mins Call for students to stand in candidates corner, vote talleys - 48 mins

2 mins Cut all candidates with less than 15% support - 50 mins

5-10 minutes free for all - 60 mins

Final result??

Debrief