Collegiate Politics

This video originally aired on Friday, April 18, 2008.

About This Video

Alex Smith, Penn State College Republican chairman, and Samantha Miller, Penn State College Democrats media director, discuss their political party affiliations and the role of their campus organizations.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why does Mr. Smith consider himself to be a Republican? How does he describe Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) and Senator Hillary Clinton’s (D-NY) campaign? Explain why you agree or disagree with these descriptions?
  2. Ms. Miller states she is a “socially progressive Democrat.” What does this mean? Why did she become a Democrat?
  3. Both the College Republicans and College Democrats have low membership numbers. According to Mr. Smith and Ms. Miller, what factors attribute to their low membership?
  4. How can collegiate clubs like the College Republicans and College Democrats affect voter turnout?

Keywords

Climate Change, POLITICAL PARTICIPATION, Political Parties

Related Subjects/Topics

  • Campaigns and Elections
  • Political Participation
  • Political Parties

Speakers

  • Samantha Miller
  • Alex Smith