When gas prices go up, what happens to presidential approval?
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:
Gasoline prices in the United States rose on Tuesday to their highest level in four years as peace talks between the United States and Iran appeared at an impasse. The average cost for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.18, according to the AAA motor club. The price at the pump has not been that high since April 2022, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. According to the visual above, who was the president in April 2022?
According to the visual above, when the price of oil went up during the Biden administration, what happened to Biden’s approval ratings?
As the war in Iran drags on, gas prices are projected to rise even higher. Based on the visual below* describe the trajectory you see in the price of oil since Israel and the U.S. attacked Iran on February 28?
According to the visual below* what state has the highest average price of gas?
How much did you pay the last time you bought gas, and how is that impacting you?
According to the latest polling data from The Economist, Donald Trump’s current approval rating is -19, down 1.0 points since last week. 37% approve, 56% disapprove. How do you think the increasing price of oil will impact Trump’s approval ratings?
Political scientists say that one of the most important numbers on election day is the price of gas. Identify some other numbers that are also important in determining winners of elections.
The price of crude oil has risen steadily over the past week, as talks have stalled during an uneasy cease-fire. Brent crude, the international benchmark, has posted gains in six of the past seven trading sessions and remains more than 40 percent higher than it was before the first U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. In retaliation, the regime’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has effectively shut the Straights of Hormuz, bringing around one fifth of all global energy shipping to a virtual standstill and raising the price of gas. All wars have costs and benefits. Why are we at war with Iran?
The current Congress has not declared war on Iran, and although they are actively considering the "Gas Prices Relief Act of 2026," which proposes suspending the 18.4 cents per gallon federal gas tax through October 1, 2026, they have not taken legislative action to combat the rising price of gasoline. Many political prognosticators are now predicting that the Democratic party will likely take control of at least one house of Congress in the midterm elections. Describe some powers Congress has that they could use to try to make policy regarding the high price of gas and the war in Iran.
BP, the British oil giant, reported its latest earnings on Tuesday, comfortably surpassing analysts’ expectations by doubling its profit in the first quarter, to more than $3 billion. At the same time, high gas prices, currently averaging over $4.00, have driven a significant surge in consumer interest for electric vehicles (EVs), with searches rising by 25%, and used electric vehicle sales increasing by 20% in the first quarter this year compared to last. High gas prices are bad for gasoline consumers. What are some benefits of high gas prices?
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
Contact the White House and let them know what you think about the consequences of rising gas prices.
Get Creative
What is the connection between gas prices and elections? Create a simple sign, poster, bumper sticker, or flyer making a connection between gas prices and elections.
Learn More*
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