Key concepts/standards

• Trust and legitimacy in representative forms of government
  • SS:WH:8:1.1: Explore how leaders have attempted to achieve political legitimacy using methods and rationales, e.g., the Divine Right of Kings, military power, or popular elections. (Themes: E: Cultural Development, Interaction, and Change, H: Individualism, Equality and Authority)
  • SS:CV:8:1.2: Analyze the major arguments for and against representative government as distinguished from direct democracy, and discuss how, in a representative democracy, minority rights are protected. (Themes: B: Civic Ideals, Practices, and Engagement, E: Cultural Development, Interaction, and Change, H: Individualism, Equality and Authority)
• The impact of a small number of votes in elected governments
  • SS:CV:8:4.1: Describe and analyze ways Americans can effectively participate in civic and political life at the local, state, and federal levels, e.g., problem solving, public engagement, or voting. (Themes: A: Conflict and Cooperation, B: Civic Ideals, Practices, and Engagement, J: Human Expression and Communication)
  • SS:CV:12:4.1: Demonstrate responsible practices within the political process, e.g., registering to vote or taking civic action. (Themes: B: Civic Ideals, Practices, and Engagement)

Discussion questions

• What is ranked-choice voting? How does it differ from traditional voting?
• Why might New Hampshire choose to enact ranked-choice voting?
• What kinds of candidates would benefit from a switch to ranked choice voting?
• What are some potential unintended consequences of switching to ranked choice voting?
• How might switching to ranked choice voting give Granite Staters more trust in their government officials?
• Do you support ranked-choice voting in New Hampshire? Why or why not?