• Democrat
• John F. Kennedy
• National Convention
• Republican
• Robert F. Kennedy
• Vietnam War
• assassination
• coalition
• conservative
• liberal
• primary

1. What is the process by which a U. S. President is elected? What is the purpose of a National Convention?

2. Why might a politician be called an opportunist? Do you think RFK was an opportunist? Why or why not?

3. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy are both said to have been able to talk to whites and African-Americans at the same time-- something that politicians rarely do because it is so difficult. Why is it so difficult for politicians to talk to different ethnic groups at the same time?

4. What was the Civil Rights Movement? Why was such a movement necessary? Did the Civil Rights Movement make progress or improve relations between African- Americans and whites?

5. Why do you think Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated in 1968? What does this say about the United States during this time period? Why was there so much hate and violence in the 1960s? Do you see a difference between the violence today and the violence in the 1960s?

6. Why was there so much political unrest in the 1960s? Why did people lose faith in government and politics during the 1960s?

7. During the Democratic National Convention of 1968, Mayor Daley of Chicago ordered police force during demonstrations and against protesters. Why did Mayor Daley make this order? Was he justified? Was there a need for such a strong use of force?

8. Why was the Democratic Party in such turmoil during the 1968 convention? How is it possible for a political party to divide? What happens to the party when this happens?

1. Humphrey says he felt that there had been lasting damage done to the Democratic Party at the Chicago convention. Examine the Democratic Party today. Do you think this is true? Can you see evidence of this damage? Explain.

2. What is a hero? Do you think Robert Kennedy or Martin Luther King, Jr. were heroes? Why or why not? Choose someone today who you feel is a hero. Describe that person and explain why you think s/he is a hero.

3. Draw a campaign poster for Humphrey, McCarthy or Kennedy (Robert) that might have been used during the 1968 Presidential bid. In your poster reflect one of the candidates' platforms.

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