School Improvement in Maryland
Public Release Item Scoring Information Return

Goal 1 Political Systems

Expectation 1.1 The student will demonstrate understanding of the structure and functions of government and politics in the United States.

Indicator 1.1.4 The student will explain roles and analyze strategies individuals or groups may use to initiate change in governmental policy and institutions.

Assessment Limits:

  • Political parties, interest groups, lobbyists, candidates, citizens, and the impact of the media on elections, elected officials and public opinion.
  • Referendum and initiative processes.

Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Item - Released in 2002

The two-party system dominates American politics. Historically, third parties have had difficulty obtaining political power in the United States.
  • Describe two challenges third parties face in their struggle to gain political power in the United States.
  • For each of the two challenges, include details and examples to support your description.
Write your answer on the lines in the answer box below.

The following 9 Anchor Papers represent a range of score points and are used in conjunction with the rubrics to assess student responses.

Anchor Paper #1

image of student response

Score for Anchor Paper #1: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response is related to the question and shows only minimal knowledge. Fragments of a basic idea are presented (don't have as much money; want expensive stuff {but} can't get it); however, the idea is general and incomplete.


Anchor Paper #2

image of student response

Score for Anchor Paper #2: Rubric Score 1

Annotation: This response is related to the question and shows only minimal knowledge. Fragments of a basic idea are provided (more Democrats and Republicans); however, not only is this idea skeletal and incomplete, but also there is a significant misconception (there has never been a third party).


Anchor Paper #3

image of student response

Score for Anchor Paper #3: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response shows knowledge of the challenges faced by third parties. Complete basic ideas are provided (they don't have as many supporters; they don't have a lot of money to have a really good campaign). The response is adequate for a score of "2."


Anchor Paper #4

image of student response

Score for Anchor Paper #4: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response shows knowledge of the challenges faced by third parties. Basic ideas (advertising; most people side with one of the two parties) are given a little support (the U.S. government funds the two parties; do not listen to the third parties' ideas or beliefs).


Anchor Paper #5

image of student response

Score for Anchor Paper #5: Rubric Score 2

Annotation: This response shows knowledge of the challenges faced by third parties. Basic ideas (the two major parties block attempts; low public support) are provided with a little support (take advantage of majority; vast majority of Americans favor the two major parties).


Anchor Paper #6

image of student response

Score for Anchor Paper #6: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response shows some understanding of the challenges faced by third parties. Concepts are accurate and supported (don't have much money; struggle to make themselves recognized and to compete; something intelligent and meaningful to say to be better than your opponents). Some evidence of higher order thinking skills is provided through the application of relevant example and cause-and-effect reasoning (the Green Party had to have funds and in order to get that some had to believe they had a chance of winning).


Anchor Paper #7

image of student response

Score for Anchor Paper #7: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response shows some understanding of the challenges faced by third parties. Accurate concepts are supported (not likely to vote for these extremists; a long list of presidential contenders). The application of analysis and evaluation (most of America falls in the middle of the political scale; most voters have never heard of; maybe if there was only one strong third party seeking power they would be more successful) shows some evidence of higher order thinking skills.


Anchor Paper #8

image of student response

Score for Anchor Paper #8: Rubric Score 3

Annotation: This response shows some understanding of the challenges faced by third parties. Concepts are accurate and supported (advertising their campaign; the vast majority of supporters from the two dominate parties). Some evidence of higher order thinking skills is demonstrated through the application of analysis and evaluation (unknown to a vast majority; hard to gain the support of former supporters of another political party; hasn't yet been successful) and cause-and -effect reasoning (many are only aware of the Democratic and Republican parties {due to} the media; the media has grown to accept that the people's main focus {is} Democratic and Republican candidates; a third party leader hasn't yet been successful {so} the people don't want to chance it).


Anchor Paper #9

image of student response

Score for Anchor Paper #9: Rubric Score 4

Annotation: This response shows understanding of the challenges faced by third parties. Accurate concepts (unpopularity; lack of funding) are well supported. Extensive application of analysis and evaluation (have to fight much harder; cast into their shadows; people think they are restricted; substantial campaign money if the vote level exceeds a certain percentage for them and this rarely happens) and cause-and-effect reasoning (because people can't see these third parties they tend not to vote for them; they don't even get to hear their ideas so people think they are restricted; receives minimal campaign money because people don't expect them to go far; if the vote level exceeds and this rarely happens) demonstrate powerful evidence of higher order thinking skills.


Brief Constructed Response (BCR) Rubric
Print: Scoring Rubric (pdf)
Score 4

This response shows understanding of the content, question, and/or problem. The response is insightful, integrates knowledge, and demonstrates powerful application.

  • The application shows powerful evidence of higher order thinking skills.
  • Concepts are accurate and well supported.
  • There are no misconceptions.
  • The response is comprehensive.
Score 3

This response shows some understanding of the content, question, and/or problem. The response includes appropriate application that demonstrates evidence of higher order thinking skills.

  • The application shows some evidence of higher order thinking skills.
  • Concepts are accurate and supported.
  • There are no interfering misconceptions.
  • The response may not develop all parts equally.
Score 2

This response shows knowledge of the content, question, and/or problem. The response is acceptable with some key ideas. The response shows little or no evidence of application.

  • The response includes some basic ideas.
  • The response provides little or no support.
  • There are minimal misconceptions.
Score 1

This response shows minimal knowledge of the content, question, and/or problem. The response is related to the question, but it is inadequate.

  • The response includes incomplete or fragmented ideas or knowledge.
  • There may be significant misconceptions.
Score 0

The response is completely incorrect or irrelevant. There may be no response.

Knowledge and Understanding indicate the degree to which the response reflects a grasp of the content, question, and/or problem presented in the stimulus. The response indicates mastery that progresses from knowledge to understanding.

Last Revised June 2001
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