By Popular Demand
Critical Analysis
What has been the most popular bill or executive action in the past decade?
How popular was the Trump policy of separating immigrant children from their parents?
When the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was passed it had a 5 point net unfavorable rating. It currently has a 19 point net positive rating. Why do you think Obamacare has gotten so much more popular over time?
What is the current net popularity of the $1.9 trillion covid-19 relief bill?
The covid-19 relief package includes $1,400 checks for most people (at a cost of $422bn), an extra $400 a week in unemployment-insurance payments ($246bn), as well as funds for reopening schools ($130bn) and distributing vaccines ($160bn). Why do you think the covid-19 relief bill is so (relatively) popular?
Despite the fact that nearly 70% of all Americans support the covid-19 relief bill it is still not certain to pass. What does that disconnect between popularity and policy say about democracy in America?
The bill enjoys broad support among Americans, including a plurality of Republicans. Despite voter enthusiasm, Republican lawmakers oppose the bill. Explain why GOP lawmakers are opposed to this popular bill.
The covid-19 relief bill has already passed the House. Describe the next few steps it must pass through to become a law.
The U.S. Senate numbers 48 Democrats, 50 Republicans, and 2 Independents (who caucus with the Democrats). Imagine there is a tie in the Senate. Describe how a Senate tie could still result in the bill passing?
What will be one consequence if this bill is passed?
Explain whether you support the covid-19 relief bill.
Describe some of the main considerations U.S. Senators have when voting for a bill.
Learning Extension
Read about some of the goodies in the covid-19 relief bill, and some of the steps the covid-19 relief bill still needs to pass through.
Action Extension
Contact your senators and tell them how you would like them to vote on the covid-19 relief bill.
Visual Extension
By Mike Wirth and Dr. Suzanne Cooper-Guasco - http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/howlawsmadeWIRTH2.jpg, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17745490
Rigorous and engaging resources for AP Government and Politics. Unit 5 Political Participation - includes: pacing guide for yearlong course and semester course, lessons, activities, slideshows, assignments, keys, project, test reviews, writing workshop, multiple choice test and Free Response Question test. Updated for the 2025-2026 school year.
