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Videos to Explain the Reasoning Skills

Skill 1: Describe and explain constitutional and political institutions, principles, processes, models and/or beliefs.

Practice 1.A: Describe and explain the structure and function of political institutions.

Practice 1.B: Describe and explain constitutional principles and processes.

Skill 2: Explain connections among political behaviors, institutions, beliefs, and cultural factors.

Practice 2.A: Compare political institutions, beliefs, and cultural factors.
  • Explain similarities and differences among political beliefs, ideologies, principles, and models.
  • Explain how political behaviors, policies, institutions, and constitutional interpretations change over time.

Practice 2.B: Explain how political institutions, beliefs, and cultural factors affect political behavior, public policy, and policymaking.
  • Explain how political institutions, beliefs, and cultural factors influence political behavior.
  • Explain how political institutions, beliefs, and cultural factors interact to affect public policy and policymaking.

Skill 3: Read, analyze, and interpret quantitative data to draw conclusions about political principles, processes, behaviors, and outcomes.

Practice 3.A: Analyze and interpret quantitative information presented visually, specifically tables, charts, graphs, and information graphics.
  • Describe the data presented
  • Describe patterns and trends in data
  • Compare patterns and trends in data to draw conclusions
  • Explain possible limitations of the data provided
  • Explain possible limitations of the visual representation of the data provided
  • Explain what the data implies or illustrates about political principles, processes, behaviors, and outcomes

Skill 4: Read, analyze, and interpret qualitative sources.

Practice 4.A: Analyze and interpret text-based qualitative sources.
  • Primary and Secondary Sources
    • Describe the author's perspective, assumptions, claim(s), and reasoning
    • Identify the implications of the author's argument
    • Explain how the implications of the author's argument may affect political principles, processes, behaviors, and outcomes
  • Supreme Court Decisions
    • Identify a Supreme Court decision and explain the reasoning for that decision
    • Explain the reasoning of concurring and dissenting Supreme Court opinions
    • Explain similarities and differences among related Supreme Court decisions and opinions

Practice 4.B: Analyze and interpret visual information from primary and secondary sources (i.e., information graphics, political cartoons, maps, and illustrations).
  • Identify the topic and perspective conveyed
  • Explain how the elements of the visual convey the perspective or argument
  • Compare the perspective or argument in multiple visuals
  • Explain how the visual illustrates or relates to political processes and behaviors

Skill 5: Develop an argument about political principles, processes, behaviors, and outcomes.

Practice 5.A: Develop an argument in the form of an essay that analyzes political principles, processes, behaviors, and outcomes.
  • Articulate a defensible claim or thesis
  • Support the argument using relevant evidence
  • Logically organize and analyze evidence, explaining its significance to justify the claim or thesis
  • Use refutation, concession, and rebuttal in responding to opposing or alternative perspectives

Practice 5.B: Create an appropriate visual (e.g., graph, diagram, map, photo, artwork, information graphic) that summarizes a relationship or supports a conclusion about a political science concept.

Paul Sargent Makes History