It remains unclear how much of an effect policy stances have on the outcome of elections. Voters in some states, for example, will support a conservative presidential candidate and re-elect an extremely liberal senator. Polls often show that voters are ignorant of the policy positions taken by the candidate for whom they voted. Policy positions may make a difference in an election. When voters perceive a policy difference between candidates, they rank policy higher than other factors when casting their vote.
Candidates also use policy differences when competing for votes.
In 1980 when candidate Ronald Reagan asked voters if they were better off then they were in 1976 when they elected Jimmy Carter. Their negative answer caused many Democrats to switch their votes in 1980. Break the class into groups of two or three. In each group students should be assigned the role of pollster or policy experts. Have students research major campaign issues, polling data and special interest groups.