| CONGRATULATIONS! Through this WebQuest, you learned several valuable lessons about your civic responsibilities as a citizen of the United States. First, being informed is critical. How much did you really know about the candidates or issues before starting this quest? Your elected officials - whether local, state, or national - make decisions on your behalf. Therefore, it is in your best interest to support and vote for the candidate best aligned with viewpoints. Information is power! Secondly, it is necessary to evaluate the quality of information you find. You have learned to recognize bias and media spin, and to look for indicators of credibility and accuracy. Particularly important in elections, you must understand multiple perspectives in order to make a sound judgement. Don't rely on single sources or narrow information. Finally, always be respectful of differing opinions. The United States is made great by the diverse cultures, experiences, and ideals of its citizens. It's this cornucopia of ideas that will keep us progressing and achieving as a global leader. The most important character traits your elected leaders and you can practice are trustworthiness, honesty, and patriotism. So, even if your candidate doesn't "win", being respectful of differences yet able to work together will go a long way towards securing a desireable future for all of us. This wasn't just an assignment - this is life in the United States. Stay informed, and participate in the political process. Your future depends on it! |
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