Bell Ringers

Bell Ringer: Political Moderates In Congress

The Recent Decline of Political Moderates

Syracuse University professor Danielle Thomsen discussed the decline of moderates in national political offices and how this has contributed to partisanship polarization and gridlock in Congress.

Description

Syracuse University professor Danielle Thomsen discussed the decline of moderates in national political offices and how this has contributed to partisanship polarization and gridlock in Congress.

Bell Ringer Assignment

  • How would you define a moderate based on Ms. Thomsen's explanation?
  • Describe trends occurring with moderates in Congress.
  • What are the consequences of having fewer moderates in Congress?

Additional Resource

Participants

    Vocabulary

    • Centrist
    • Ideology
    • Moderate
    • Partisanship
    • Polarization
    • Political Party
    • Rigidity

    Topics

    AP U.S. Government Key TermsPolitical Parties