Friday Current Event

Critical Analysis

Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, your big brain, and your knowledge of American government and politics:

1. How many states have disqualified Donald J. Trump from appearing on their ballot?

2. In how many states is there currently an unresolved challenge to Trump appearing on their ballot?

3. A number of states have attempted to remove Donald Trump from the ballot based on his actions regarding the January 6th insurrection and Section III of the 14th Amendment which states: “No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.” Do you believe Trump should be removed from the ballot based on your interpretation of the 14th Amendment and the events of January 6th?

4. Supreme Court justices are scheduled to hear arguments in the ballot disqualification of the Trump candidacy on Feb. 8. A ruling is expected quickly after arguments and could have nationwide implications and determine whether Trump can be on the ballot in all states. What do you think the Supreme Court will rule?

5. The Colorado Supreme Court and Maine’s secretary of state, a Democrat, each found Mr. Trump ineligible under Section III of the 14th Amendment. What idea or provision in the Constitution gives the U.S. Supreme Court the power to possibly overrule the states?

6. How democratic is it to remove Trump, or really anyone who wants to run for president, from the ballot?

7. The U.S. Constitution disqualifies many people from becoming president. According to Article II, Section i of the U.S. Constitution: non-natural-born citizens, people under age 35, and people who have not resided in the U.S. for 14 years cannot become president. According to the XXII Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, people who have twice served as president may not run for president. In other words, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama may not run for president. Is the U.S. Constitution democratic?

8. In fact, in two of the last six presidential elections the person who won the popular vote lost the election. Is that democratic?

9. If it were up to you, how would you alter the Constitution to change the requirements for President?

10. How do you think this current fight over ballot access will impact the outcome of the 2024 election?

Write and Discuss

Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.

Act on your Learning

Take 120 seconds to register to vote online. You don’t even need to be 18 yet, and it takes less than three minutes.

Get Creative

Imagine you lived in an undemocratic country. Would you participate in their undemocratic elections? Make a list of pros and cons for voting in an undemocratic election.

Learning Extension

Check the status of Trump ballot access challenges across the U.S.