As argued in your reading, elections are meant to afford citizens control over their government, thereby legitimizing government and providing accountability. Overall, there has been an increase in the democratic character of elections since the Founding, including the ability to directly vote for Senators and in primary nominations. The presidency, however, is one area where the people are unable to directly vote for their preferred candidate.
Should the United States move to a system of electing the president by a popular vote? What would be the advantages and disadvantages of a popular vote? Looking at it from a different perspective, what are the advantages and disadvantages of the Electoral College? Does the existence of the Electoral College challenge the democratic nature of U.S. elections?
An acceptable post will respond specifically to the prompt, will be minimum of 250 words, contain few (if any) grammar or spelling mistakes, and will be respectful.
| Criteria | Level 5 | Level 4 | Level 3 | Level 2 | Level 1 | Criterion Score |
| Student’s position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) | 20 points Specific position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) is imaginative, taking into account the complexities of an issue. Limits of position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) are acknowledged. Others’ points of view are synthesized within position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis). | 15 points Specific position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) takes into account the complexities of an issue. Others’ points of view are acknowledged within position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis). | 10 points Specific position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) acknowledges different sides of an issue. | 5 points Specific position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis) is stated, but is simplistic and obvious. | 0 points No position is given or no initial post was made. | Score of Student’s position (perspective, thesis/hypothesis), 0 / 20 |
| Conclusions and related outcomes (implications and consequences) | 10 points Conclusions and related outcomes (consequences and implications) are logical and reflect student’s informed evaluation and ability to place evidence and perspectives discussed in priority order. | 8 points Conclusion is logically tied to a range of information, including opposing viewpoints; related outcomes (consequences and implications) are identified clearly. | 6 points Conclusion is logically tied to information (because information is chosen to fit the desired conclusion); some related outcomes (consequences and implications) are identified clearly. | 4 points Conclusion is inconsistently tied to some of the information discussed; related outcomes (consequences and implications) are oversimplified. | 2 points Conclusions or outcomes are vague, incomplete or not present. | Score of Conclusions and related outcomes (implications and consequences), 5 / 10 |
| Peer Responsiveness | 20 points Demonstrates an exceptional ability to analyze and synthesize student work, asks meaningful extending questions | 15 points Demonstrates good ability to analyze other student work, and ask meaningful extending questions | 10 points Some ability to meaningfully comment on other student work and ask bridging questions | 5 points Lack of ability to comment on other students work and ask meaningful questions | 0 points No response. | Score of Peer Responsiveness, 20 / 20 |
