The Election of 1948
INTRODUCTION


The results of the Election of 1948 surprised almost every political pundit of the time. Having succeeded Franklin D. Roosevelt to the presidency, Harry Truman ran to be elected to office for a term of his own. The Democrats were deeply divided that year and four major candidates were listed on the ballots of that year.

Use the following website to explore the Election of 1948:

The Truman Presidential Library and The President of the United States

http://us.history.wisc.edu/hist102/photos/html/1072.html

LESSON

  1. Research the issues that divided the Democrat party in 1948 as well as the campaign platform of the Republican challenge.
  2. Examine the results of the Presidential Election of 1948 with both the popular as well as the electoral vote.

ACTIVITY
Analyze the political cartoon to the right in a few brief paragraphs. Identify the individuals in the cartoon and describe the significance of each individual in the campaign of 1948.




Ghost Riders

by Gib Crockett
of the Washington Post Writer's Group

ASSIGNMENT
Develop a chart identify the four major presidential candidates, their major positions on the issues, and the results of the election.

After developing the chart write a newspaper article analyzing the election results of the 1948 election.

RUBRIC

Level 4 - 100%
This response shows understanding of the content, question, and/or problem. The response is insightful, integrates knowledge, and demonstrates powerful application.

  • The application shows powerful evidence of higher order thinking skills.
  • Concepts are accurate and well-supported.
  • There are no misconceptions.
  • The response is comprehensive.


Level 3 - 85%
The response shows some understanding of the content, question, and/or problem. The response is complete and accurate. Appropriate application demonstrates evidence of higher order thinking skills.

  • The application shows some evidence of higher order thinking skills.
  • Concepts are accurate and supported.
  • There are no interfering misconceptions.
  • The response may not develop all parts equally.


Level 2 - 65%
This response shows knowledge of the content, question, and/or problem. The response is acceptable with some key ideas. The response shows little or no evidence of application.

  • The response includes some basic ideas.
  • The response provides little or no support.
  • There are minimal misconceptions.


Level 1 - 50%
This response shows minimal knowledge of the content, question, and/or problem. The response is related to the question, but it is inadequate.

  • The response includes incomplete or fragmented ideas or knowledge.
  • There may be significant misconceptions.


Level 0 - 0%
The response is completely incorrect or irrelevant. There may be no response.

Remittal

After labeling the RE: as Election of 1948, send your response to peter.puch@fcps.org