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PBS: By the People, Election 2004
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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Historical Review of Pennsylvania.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

 Web Roundup

Democracy 101

Let's face it, fourth grade and that lesson about how a bill becomes a law were a long time ago. Whether election 2000 left you curious about exactly how the electoral college works, or you're not quite sure of the difference between a primary and a caucus -- the links below should help. While you're here, check out our tips and tools for how to be a more active citizen and voter: learn how to track legislation, research campaign finance data, check the facts in candidates' public statements, and more.

How Government Works
How the Election Works
Active Citizenship

Most Recent Submitted Links

Submited LinkWikipedia - U.S. Presidential Election 2004
An overview of the 2004 election - the candidates, parties and more.
--Submitted 07.24.04 by G Lippitt, Chicago

How Government worksMore Links for this Category

Link outside of PBS Web site Vote-Smart: Government 101
This primer is intended to help refresh your knowledge of American politics by providing useful information about Congress, political parties, campaign finance, and much more.


Link outside of PBS Web siteThe American President
A fascinating look at the day-to-day operational requirements of the most powerful position in the land.


Link outside PBS Web siteThe National Archives: Charters of Freedom
From the Constitution to the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, read the blueprints of our government.


Link outside PBS Web siteThe White House
A searchable Web site for all press releases and official announcements from the White House


Link outside PBS Web siteThomas: U.S. Congress on the Internet
The Library of Congress' searchable information about the U.S. Congress, the legislative process and the National Archive documents.


Link outside PBS Web siteU.S. House of Representatives
Up-to-the-hour reports on events on the House floor, complete roll call voting reports and extensive information about bills and resolutions being considered in Congress.


Link outside PBS Web siteU.S. Senate
Information on how to contact your Senators as well as extensive background information on the history of the Senate.


How the election worksMore Links for this Category

Link inside PBS Web siteThe NewsHour with Jim Lehrer: Primary System backgrounder
Find out about the differences between caucuses and primaries, which primaries are likely to be most important this election season, what role political parties play in an election and more.


Link inside PBS Web siteFEC: How the Electoral College works
The Federal Election Commission explains all about how the Electoral College works and how it came to be (PDF).


Link inside PBS Web siteFEC: Voting methods.
Remember all the fuss about chads in 2000? Learn more about the different methods Americans use to vote and how many people use each method. (Go to the bottom of the page)


Active CitizenshipMore Links for this Category

Link outside PBS Web siteTrack campaign financing
This Federal Election Commission site tracks all the contributions to political candidates. Find out who gave what to whom.


Link inside PBS Web siteTrack legislation
NOW with Bill Moyers explains how to follow the progress of a bill that is important to you.


Link outside PBS Web siteVolunteer
Contact the United Way, your church, mosque or synagogue, or VolunteerMatch.com.


Link inside PBS Web siteWatch the Candidate Debates
Use our election calendar to find out when the next debate will take place.


Link inside PBS Web siteRead Between the Lines
Learn how to dissect a political ad, interpret a debate, analyze a poll and more!


Link outside PBS Web siteResearch your ballot
Find information about your local and national officials and/or a particular candidate.


Link outside PBS Web siteLearn the lingo
If you're confused by the political jargon of this election season, consult our glossary featuring over 100 terms. (For help with economic policy speak in particular, check out Auburn University's glossary of economic terms. )


Link outside PBS Web siteCheck the facts
Ever wonder if the statistics cited by candidates are actually true? Use this site from the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center to evaluate the factual accuracy of candidates' ads and statements.


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