These cartoons focus on U.S. voting laws and procedures. See how you would answer the questions that go with the cartoons. To access other topics, use the Topics
menu to the right.
Voting Law
Cartoon 1
Politics in the Garden of Eden
From Insights on Law & Society 2.1 (Fall 2001): 8.
The cartoon shows Adam and Eve newly arrived in the Garden of Eden. According to the Bible, the elephant and donkey (animals) were there first. The cartoon suggests that the "old timers" have politics on their minds.
1. Which political party does the Elephant represent? The Donkey? What nation must the Garden of Eden represent?
2. How would you describe Adam and Eve's attitude? The elephant and donkey's attitude? What advice would you give Adam and Eve?
3. U.S. Political Parties are always interested in new immigrants. Why do you suppose this is so? If the story of this cartoon was completed, what scenes might come next?
4. See Whose Voice Is Heard? to learn more about political parties' interest in "new arrivals" to the United States.
Cartoon 2
Voting Presidents
From Insights on Law & Society 2.1 (Fall 2001): 19.
The present and past collide in this cartoon, which features Thomas Jefferson and George Washington trying to vote at a modern polling place.
1. Name several ways this cartoon tells you that Thomas Jefferson and George Washington are voting in a modern election.
2. Why do you suppose Jefferson has stopped short of voting? Why is Washington asking the volunteers his question?
3. Learn about Five
Voting Technologies used in the United States. Which technologies
do you think the cartoonist would support? Criticize? Explain
your answers.
4. See Whose Voice Is Heard? to learn about barriers to voting that many Americans face.
