SUMMARY

A task force from the American Bar Association is urging attorneys to defend democracy against authoritarianism in the country by getting involved in election efforts. Amna Nawaz discussed the task force’s work with its co-chairs, Jeh Johnson, former Homeland Security Secretary under President Obama, and J. Michael Luttig, a former appeals court judge and a leading conservative legal voice.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

KEY TERMS

bipartisan — representing both major political parties, or a range of political ideologies

American Bar Association — a major professional organization for attorneys in the U.S. that provides education and other services

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Who are Jeh Johnson and J. Michael Luttig, and what are their backgrounds?
2. How are democracy and elections under threat, according to Johnson and Luttig?
3. What is the American Bar Association (ABA) and what is its role?
4. Why is the ABA calling for attorneys to help protect elections and democracy?
5. How can attorneys help protect elections, according to Johnson and Luttig?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

1. Do you think volunteers have an important role to play in maintaining election integrity?
2. After watching this segment, do you think states or the federal government should adapt election laws to make them more secure and fair? If so, what changes could be made?

Media literacy: PBS NewsHour identifies these guests as representative of a "bipartisan" group. What do you think is meant by bipartisan, and do you think these two guests represent a bipartisan range of views? Do you know any other examples of bipartisanship?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?

FOR MORE

What students can do: Did you know that many students can volunteer as poll workers? Watch the video below about a family who volunteers together on election day. You can also check out this lesson, or this video from a student in Wisconsin about volunteering.

• You don't need to be an attorney to get involved in democracy. As a class, discuss — what can students do now to help protect elections and democracy?

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