Rally Point

Written by Jonathan Milner

Definition

A short-term jump in a president's approval rating during an international crisis or attack, as Americans "rally 'round the flag."

Example

After the September 11, 2001, attacks, President George W. Bush's approval rating rose to about 90 percent in Gallup polling, among the highest ever recorded.

 

Questions

  1. Define rally point.

  2. Explain why Americans tend to support the president during a crisis.

  3. Describe the rally effect after September 11, 2001.

  4. Explain why a rally effect usually fades over time.

  5. Explain how a rally effect could increase a president's power with Congress.

  6. Identify one event that could cause a rally effect.

  7. Describe how public opinion polling measures presidential approval.

  8. Should voters rally behind a president during a crisis, or stay critical? Explain.

  9. What emoji would do a good job of expressing the concept rally point?

  10. Translate rally point into plain English.

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw a rally point! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review

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Jonathan Milner

Civics Maven!

https://www.gopopro.com/
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