Video and Multimedia

Video

 

Crash Course in U.S. Government & Politics Introduction

Questions to Consider:

  1. What definition of politics is offered in the video? How does it say that politics is defined in the U.S.?
  2. What forms can political participation take?
  3. What role does political participation by citizens have in a democracy?

Learning Objective: 1.2 Discuss the ways in which governments are composed of institutions and the qualities of those institutions

 

Prisoner's Dilemma, Golden Balls:

Questions to Consider:

  1. The players face the choice between cooperating and splitting the jackpot or choosing the “steal” ball and receiving the entire jackpot. However, if both players choose “steal” neither wins any money. What role does uncertainty play in each player’s individual decision?
  2. Were you surprised by the outcome? Why or why not? What decision would you have made?

Learning Objective: 1.3 Identify different types of collective action problems

 

Free-Rider Problem, MA Health Care Mandate:

Governor Romney explains Massachusetts’ health care mandate to voters

Learning Objective: 1.3 Identify different types of collective action problems

 

Tragedy of the Commons, 2010 Tax Deal with Republicans:

President Obama announces a tax deal with Republicans in 2010

Learning Objective: 1.3 Identify different types of collective action problems

 

The California Water Crisis

Questions to Consider:

  1. How might the state of California and the cities suffering water shortages address their tragedy of the commons issue using regulation and/or privatization?  

Learning Objective: 1.4 Explain the costs of collective action

 

The Texas Water Crisis

Questions to Consider:

  1. How might the state of Texas and the cities suffering water shortages address their tragedy of the commons issue using regulation and/or privatization?

Learning Objecitve: 1.4 Explain the costs of collective action