CNN Student News: Ten Questions

(CNN Student News) -- November 6, 2008

1. According to the program, what statements did U.S. President George W. Bush and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice make in response to this week's U.S. presidential election? What are your thoughts regarding Tuesday's historic election?

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2. Approximately how many American voters cast ballots in this year's presidential election? Why do you think that there was an increase in voter participation in this election compared to other recent U.S. presidential elections?

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3. Do you think that full voter participation is important? Why or why not? Why do you think that some eligible voters chose not to vote on Tuesday? In your opinion, what might be some ways to increase voter participation? Do you think that voting should be mandatory in the U.S.? State your rationale.

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4. According to the report, how are some people around the world responding to President-elect Obama's win? In your view, how might the outcome of Tuesday's U.S. election affect other countries? Give an example.

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5. If you were advising President-elect Obama on international affairs, what suggestions might you have for him at this point in time?

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6. According to the program: What is a ballot measure? What is affirmative action? In what U.S. state did voters decide on a ballot measure to ban affirmative action? In what U.S. states did voters decide on ballot measures to ban same-sex marriage? If you had the opportunity, how might you have voted on these two measures, and why?

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7. In general, do you think that ballot measures can impact other election results? If so, how? If not, why not?

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8. Why do you think that the political composition of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate is significant? What information is known about the outcome of Tuesday's House and Senate contests? What do you think might be some of the pros and cons of the same political party controlling the U.S. presidency and both chambers of Congress?

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9. According to the program, what are some of the tasks that President-elect Obama will need to accomplish during the next 10 weeks before he is sworn into office?

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10. In your view, what challenges might Obama face during this transition period? If you were in Obama's shoes, how might you address these challenges? What type of support would you seek?

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