Story: Presidential Conventions Heat up Election Season, 07/19/04
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec04/conventions_7-19.html

Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. Why is this convention season particularly important?

2. Who holds presidential conventions? When are they held? Why? Where are they this year?






3. Who are some of the interesting speakers at the Democratic Convention? Why are they interesting?

4. Who are some of the interesting speakers at the Republican Convention? Why are they interesting?

5. When do voters pay attention to the presidential elections?

6. Why is security at the conventions especially tight this year?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Why do you think political parties choose particular speakers for key slots in their conventions? Look at each party's selections, choose one person and analyze why that person might have been chosen. What do they bring to the party? How might they influence voters?

2. Why do you think people pay attention to the presidential elections during the conventions, as political analysts say they do? Will you be watching? Why or why not? If not, what do you think the convention organizers could do to get more teens involved?

3. Conventions are opportunities for political parties to present their platforms, or ideas, to the public. Research each party's platform or perspective on the issues. Which issues are most important to you? Why?

Write a 500-800 word essay on any of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra [extra@newshour.org]. Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.