Short Answer

Question

Note: Your teacher will grade your responses to questions 7–8 to ensure you receive proper credit for your answers.
Identify one important U.S. or New Mexican tradition. Explain how this tradition represents an important idea or belief. Then, evaluate this tradition to tell how it helps different groups of people.
(3 points)

Answer 1

One important U.S. tradition is Thanksgiving, which represents gratitude and community. This holiday emphasizes the importance of coming together with family and friends to reflect on what one is thankful for, fostering a sense of appreciation and connection.

Thanksgiving helps different groups of people by promoting social bonds and encouraging the sharing of diverse cultural practices and recipes, thus enhancing cultural awareness and unity. It also serves as a time for charitable acts, as many people volunteer or donate to those in need, thereby reinforcing community support and compassion for the less fortunate.

Answer 2

The Twenty-Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution prevents states from setting the minimum voting age for all elections in the United States above 18. At the time that the amendment was passed, the nation was drafting many young men at age 18 or 19 to fight in wars. But most elections required voters to be 21 to participate. Why might people have wanted to change this law? Why was this amendment likely passed at this time? Provide two reasons. Explain your reasoning.
(3 points)

Answer 3

People may have wanted to change the voting age law for two main reasons:

1. Fairness and Representation: As young men were being drafted into the military at the age of 18 to fight in wars, it seemed unfair that they were not allowed to vote on issues that directly affected their lives, such as military service and war policy. This led to a growing belief that if individuals were deemed old enough to fight for their country, they should also be allowed to have a say in its governance.

2. Youth Activism and Social Movements: During the late 1960s, a surge of youth activism was occurring, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement and anti-war protests. Young people were becoming increasingly politically engaged, and there was a push from activists to ensure that their voices were heard in the electoral process. The growing influence of young voters likely made it a more opportune time for lawmakers to consider lowering the voting age.

The Twenty-Sixth Amendment was passed at this time partly in response to these societal changes and the recognition of young people's rights and responsibilities within a democratic society.