US Political Parties activities for Students

US Political Parties activities for Students (1)

Introduction

Learning about U.S. political parties is not only useful for understanding American culture, but it also helps students expand their English vocabulary.

This page introduces key words and expressions related to politics in the United States in a simple way. Through matching, gap-fill, and a true/false quiz, students will practice new vocabulary while learning about the two major political parties and some smaller ones.

How to Use These Activities

  1. Work in pairs or small groups.
    • Students should collaborate to solve the tasks together, which makes the lesson more interactive.
  2. Do the activities in order.
    • Begin with the matching activity (Democrats vs. Republicans), then move to the gap-fill vocabulary exercise, and finish with the true/false quiz.
  3. Check answers as a class.
    • After each activity, discuss the correct answers and encourage students to explain why they chose them.
  4. Optional extension.
    • End the lesson with a short speaking or writing task where students express their own political views or important issues (e.g., environment, education, jobs)

US Political Parties activities for Students

Activity 1: Match the Party with Its Values

Work in pairs or small groups. Match each political party with the ideas or values it is most often associated with.

PartiesValues/Beliefs
1. Democratic PartyA. Supports healthcare access, social programs, and diversity.
2. Republican PartyB. Emphasizes smaller government and lower taxes.
C. Protects the environment and supports clean energy.
D. Supports strong national defense and military spending.
E. Advocates for civil rights and equality.
F. Favors traditional family values.
G. Supports progressive taxation (wealthier people pay more).
1. Democratic Party → A, C, E, G
2. Republican Party → B, D, F

Activity 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct word from the box. Work with a partner and compare your answers.
Word Bank:
write-in candidate, political parties, public policy, minority party, political views, ballot access, candidate, majority party, lobby, Tea Party Movement, Green Party

  1. In the U.S., the Democratic Party and the Republican Party are the two main __________.
  2. A person running for office is called a __________.
  3. Sometimes, a voter can choose a __________ by writing their name on the ballot.
  4. The party that has the most seats in Congress is called the __________.
  5. A __________ has fewer members and less influence in government.
  6. Environmental issues are important for the __________.
  7. Citizens and groups try to influence lawmakers through __________.
  8. A government’s decisions and laws are called __________.
  9. People may disagree because they have different __________.
  10. The __________ was a conservative movement that became part of U.S. politics around 2009.
1. political party
2.candidate
3. write-in candidate
4. majority party
5. minority party
6. Green Party
7. lobby
8. public policy
9. political views
10. Tea Party Movement

Activity 3: True or False Quiz

Read the statements. Decide if they are True (T) or False (F).

  1. The United States has two major political parties: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. (___)
  2. A candidate is a person who votes in an election. (___)
  3. The Republican Party usually supports lower taxes and smaller government. (___)
  4. The Democratic Party often supports social programs and civil rights. (___)
  5. A minority party has more members than the majority party. (___)
  6. The Green Party focuses on environmental protection. (___)
  7. A write-in candidate is a candidate whose name is printed on the ballot. (___)
  8. Public policy means the government’s decisions and actions. (___)
  9. The Tea Party Movement was a movement inside the Democratic Party. (___)
  10. People can have different political views. (___)
1. T
2. F
3. T
4. T
5. F
6. T
7. F
8. T
9. F
10. T

Recap of Main Target Vocabulary

  1. Democracy – A system of government where people vote to choose their leaders.
    • Example: The United States is a democracy where citizens elect the president.
  2. Political Party – A group of people with similar ideas about how to govern a country.
    • Example: The Democratic Party and Republican Party are the two main political parties in the U.S.
  3. Candidate – A person who wants to be elected to a political position.
    • Example: The candidate gave a speech to explain her ideas.
  4. Election – The process where people vote to choose leaders.
    • Example: The presidential election happens every four years in the U.S.
  5. Vote – A choice made by a person in an election.
    • Example: Students voted for their favorite class representative.
  6. Campaign – The activities a candidate does to get people’s support.
    • Example: The candidate visited many cities during her campaign.
  7. Debate – A discussion where people present different opinions on a topic.
    • Example: The two candidates participated in a televised debate.
  8. Republican Party – One of the main U.S. political parties, often supporting conservative ideas.
    • Example: The Republican Party focuses on limited government and traditional values.
  9. Democratic Party – One of the main U.S. political parties, often supporting liberal ideas.
    • Example: The Democratic Party supports social programs and equality.
  10. Ballot – The paper or electronic method used to vote in an election.
  • Example: Each citizen received a ballot to mark their choice.

More on the political parties in the US

Tags: Thematic Vocabulary Exercises
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