political science 6 parts in 12hrs

INSTRUCTIONS: In this activity, you assume the role of a state senator who has received a memo about open vs. closed primaries. You will review arguments for and against each type of primary, decide whether your state should change from a closed primary to an open primary and then provide a written explanation of your decision.

INTRODUCTION: To: Brian Cal, state senator

From: Leo Jacob, legislative assistant

Subject: Open vs. Closed Primary Elections

Some in your state have proposed changing the primary election from a closed primary (where only those registered with the party can vote in the primary) to an open primary (where all registered voters, regardless of party, could vote in the primary).

To Consider: 

State legislators are currently debating a measure to change the state’s electoral system from a closed primary (where only registered party members can vote) to an open primary (where any registered voter can vote). Supporters claim this allows more voters a voice in the process and supports moderate candidates, but opponents claim this is unfair to party members, who should decide their party’s nominee, and opens the possibility for mischief from party “raiding.”

Arguments for:

1. An open primary lets all voters—not just party members—decide which candidates run in the general election.

2. By appealing to all voters, not just voters from one party, open primaries might produce more moderate candidates.

Arguments against:

1. The party members themselves should decide who runs under the party’s label in the general election.

2. Members of the other party can “raid” a party’s primary to support the least appealing candidate, unfairly helping their own party.

Additional Research: 

The following links present the arguments for and against open and closed primaries. Choose at least one link for each side of the argument and make sure to read through the entire text. Once you have enough information, move onto the next part of the activity.

Closed Primary Arguments: 

http://missoulian.com/news/opinion/columnists/why-pursue-a-closed-primary/article_51142d68-bd78-5daf-ba0a-dfb88e37c201.html

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/07/01/open-primaries-voters-elections-editorials-debates/11938287/

Open Primary Arguments: 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/07/01/open-primaries-thad-cochran-mississippi-editorials-debates/11938275/

https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/22/opinion/charles-schumer-adopt-the-open-primary.html

Will you keep the closed primary or support an open primary? Why?