The Success Of Judaism

The Success Of Judaism Judaism has survived throughout history by being flexible and by admitting foreign influences into its practice. Its success in the 21st century depends on its ability to continue doing this in response to the pressures of modernity. Judaism has endured the challenges imposed upon it, by its ability to preserve deep-rooted traditions of the past. It is through maintaining customs from preceding times that defines the foundations of modern day Jewish practice, be it through observance, prayer or habit. In combination to this, its capacity to be versatile and incorporate outside influence has served to maintain its popularity as a major world faith. In order to continue its future religious success, Judaism must persist upholding the traditions that it stands for. However, in the light of pressures of modernity that arise through social change, including feminism and assimilation it must also incorporate aspects of outside influence to promote its popularity. Judaism has survived through emerging itself as a faith of tradition, including those developed in both Diasporic times as well as the biblical period. It is through the upholding of various forms of tradition that has united the global Jewish population. This is evident within prayer, observance and custom. As revealed through the practice of the Orthodox Jewish population, tradition plays a major part of defining the faith through the close following of Halakah. This is evident within the environment of Orthodox synagogue services; women are prohibited from wearing pants, those who are married must cover their heads and a mekhitzah segregates the seating between men and women. Despite social change that has provided freedom from such restrictions, Orthodox Judaism has held onto these traditions, which have acted in defining it through continuity. If such aspects were removed from the service, it would alienate the Orthodox Jewish community, as it is through such customs that have b een observed throughout generations and therefore characterizes the continuing existence of the religion. It is not solely the Orthodox community that have relied upon tradition as a means to exist. Within all strands of Judaism, tradition has played a major part in the continued existence of the faith. This is evident in relation towards Jewish practice, such as through customs observed during festivals. This includes the performing of the Passover Seder, the eating of Latkes during Chanukah and the maintenance of kashrut. It is through the participation of such traditions that identifies Jewish practice. Judaism has continued to exist through the desire to maintain tradition through historical descent. As Jacob Neusner states, the Judaic religious tradition is shaped by the historical life of the Jewish people therefore indicating how elements of Jewish historical significance have acted in forming and strengthening an attachment to the faith. This is evident when referring to various periods such as the destruction of the second Temple and the Holocaust. The destruction of the Temple led Jews to consolidate their beliefs through the emergence of Rabbinic Judaism and the tragedy of the Holocaust has stood for and continues to stand for an attachment to the faith. Poll after poll of American Jews in the 1990s found that the Holocaust surpassed Israel, Judaism, or any other factor as the basis of the Jewish Identity. Such moments of historical significance represent an increased strength of faith in times of adversity. In combination to the preservation of tradition to explain the survival of the faith, it is also evident that its continuing presence is determined through its ability to subject itself to change through time. This is evident through the emergence of various strands of Judaism that emerged after Jews were emancipated in Europe. As revealed through the surfacing of Reform Judaism with its popularity, in nineteenth century Germany, the religion has survived through its ability to adapt; they encouraged prayer in the local vernacular rather than in Hebrew, a way of diminishing the difference between them and their non-Jewish neighbours. This is an indication that as circumstances and living environments change, Judaism has adapted in order to maintain its popularity as a key religion. As Jews after Haskalah were no longer constricted to the bounds of the shtetlack, and began to interact within mainstream society, it reveals how Judaism was able to accommodate this new lifestyle through encompassing foreign influence. Apart from incorporating German (or other native language) into prayer, aspects include the introduction of a sermon, as well as the use of organ music within the service, both of which derive from Protestant worship. In the environment of the New World, Judaism continued to exist through its ability to incorporate elements of American ideology. With the development of concepts such as the melting pot, putting forward ideas of multiculturalism, America was representing and continues to represent itself as a centre of mixed ethnicity and religion that came to include Judaism; the United States isà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦a pluralistic society in which Otherness is accepted, if grudgingly at times, and diversity is tolerated and occasionally even celebrated. This is because with the influx of Immigrants that came to form modern America, Judaism provided Jews with an ethnicity to define themselves against immigrants who associated themselves through being Chinese, Italian or other nationality. The American environment therefore promoted its popularity and helped to uphold its existence. It is evident that the environment of America has influenced religious practice, as indicated through change in custom as a r esult of social change in America (and the modern world). While Orthodox Judaism has maintained tradition, and not welcomed much outside influence, the rise of the popularity of the Conservative and Reform movements indicates that social change in America has had an influence upon upholding the faith. This is evident in respect to custom, such as attitudes towards Halakah within these branches of American Judaism. Conservative Judaism, the most popular American branch of Judaism has sought its popularity through incorporating social values accepted by mainstream American society and transferring them into Jewish practice .Halakhah is presented as a historical phenomenon, capable of adjusting to meet changing realities imposed by sociology, economics, politics, science and technology. This is evident by its growing acceptance of womens influence within the synagogue service such as through the acceptance of the ordination of women Rabbis as well as the absence of a mekhitzah within prayer. Similarly, the Reform movement rejects the traditional interpretation of Halakhah and presents it as non-abiding. In practice, this leads traditional aspects of practice non-compulsory such as the abidance of the Jewish dietary laws of kashrut; they believe that the dietary laws are antiquated and serve no practical function and point out that they are a major factor in separating Jews from the rest of their fellowmen This indicates how such non-Orthodox movements introduce new thought into the faith, not derived through traditional means. To an extent, the future of Judaism relies on its ability to remain flexible and accepting of outside influence. This is because, as indicated through the popularity of Conservative and Reform synagogues, Judaism must incorporate customs of modernity to ensure it survival and strength. It is through issues of modernity such as feminism and assimilation that Judaism must respond to and accommodate in order to remain attractive to future generations, whom determine its long term success. As made apparent in Jew Vs Jew, the Conservative movement has permitted women some equality to men, as indicated through the publication of the new Conservative prayer book; The Siddur Sim Shalomà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦now included two versions of the Amidah, without the Matriarchs on page 3a and with them on 3b . It is through such developments as including recognizing women in liturgy, permitting the ordination of Rabbis and authorizing women to wear tallit and kippot that allows Judaism to reflect modernity and remain popular. However, as indicated within this instance, responding to modernity is a continuing process; Jewish feminists, such as Rachel Adler will continue to press for further reform within the traditional service to make Judaism more reflective of secular civil rights. Modernity has led Jews to live within the spheres of the secular world, which while has offered increased opportunity, socially, economically and politically, has led to an increased level of assimilation. As highlighted by Stephen Bloom through his own experience as a Jew within secular America; few of my friends learned Hebrew, few families lit candles at Shabbos dinner and few celebrated the Sabbath, assimilation constituted the diluting of Jewish practice. With the rise of assimilation into mainstream American culture, Judaism must search for new influences and measures in order to secure the future success of the faith. This is because, at present, especially within the environment of Orthodox Judaism, it is increasingly difficult to incorporate Jewish practice within the secular way of living. This is as a result of Halakha which places restrictions over modern life. This includes the prohibition of driving or working during Shabbat, dietary restrictions through the laws of kashrut and attempting to observe Jewish holidays within the calendar of the secular world. At present, such prohibitions prove to be discouraging to Jews who place high value over their secular lives, especially those in the younger generations. As it is these individuals who will determine the future existence and strength of the faith, Judaism must continue being flexible in order to survive. It is through measures as adopted by The Sinai Temple of Los Angeles with its Friday night Live services, which provide young people with a synagogue service reflective of a rock concert, encouraging wide audiences across the city that lies in future popularity of the faith. This is because it is through such methods that Jews, who would otherwise neglect Jewish practice, continue to uphold the faith. To maintain the popularity of Judaism, it has to subject itself to change. However, in doing this, it sacrifices much of the traditions, which to many Jews are definitive of the faith. It is therefore arguable that many of the changes that occur through social change and modernity sacrifice the essence of Judaism. It is due to this that explains why the Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox strands of Judaism maintain concepts and practices that in the era of modern times can appear antiquated and sexist. This is indicated in Postville, to which indicates how Hassidic Jews have protected and continue to protect themselves from influence of secular culture in order to uphold the traditions that Judaism holds; to remain pure the Jews would not allow their children to go to Postville public schoolsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Hasidim were loathe to rely on anyone outside their Mispocheh, extended family. As evident through the elite world of Hassidim, it is revealed how Orthodox Judaism has continued and wil l continue to exist through maintaining a traditional life, according to Halakah and upholding the practice of a tight Jewish community. It is of importance to uphold the Jewish tradition in order to prevent assimilation through intermarriage. A 1990 National Jewish Population Survey concluded that an intermarriage rate of 52% existed in the United States, signifying a steady downfall of American Jewry. This is because the increase of intermarriage indicates a more remote chance that Judaism will continue to survive through future generations. In order to ensure the future existence of Judaism, the faith must emphasize the spirit of Jewish tradition through maintaining some aspects of continuity, such as the practice of the Friday night Shabbat meal and holiday observance such as the Passover Seder in order to continue to provide a strong Jewish culture that appears attractive to have the desire to maintain. On one side were Jewsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦for whom being Jewish meant keeping our Jewishness subordinate to our being American. On the other side were Orthodox Jews, who retained their religion and the daily practice of it essential to their existence. Ultra-Orthodox Jews largely disassociated themselves from mainstream American culture, which they viewed as a threat to Jewish identity. Judaism has continued and will continue to exist while there is a choice of denominations which will accommodate various needs and lifestyles. It is through the combination of maintaining elements of traditional continuity while incorporating aspects of modernity which leads to a popular faith. Although this suggests that Conservative Judaism stands as future of Jewish existence, it is because there are multiple movements within the faith that permits Judaism to continue to survive. With the differing variations of the Jewish faith, it provides and will continue to provide a choice to the modern Jew that reflects the lifestyle that he or she chooses to adopt. Work Cited Scheindlin, Ray A Short History of the Jewish People Oxford University Press (1998) Robinson, George Essential Judaism Pocket Books (2000) Freedman, Samuel Jew vs. Jew Simon and Schuster (2001) Bloom, Stephen G. Postville: A Clash of Cultures in Heartland America Harcourt (2000) Harris, Lis Holy Days, The World of a Hassidic Family Simon and Schuster (1995)

Lord of the Flies- Who Is the Best Leader Essay

In the novel, there is a clear, constant battle for leadership between two of the main characters, Ralph and Jack. The two characters are completely different- as you could say they are the antithesis of one another. In appearance, character, desires (as one wants control through order and civilization and one in self-entertainment). I am going to show how and why Jack Merridew is clearly a better, more appealing leader of the two. First things first, an interesting scene is the one of the elections, at the start of the novel, as the author clearly emphasises the embarrassment and anger Jack feels as he loses the vote. Many judge this negatively, as to pointing out the selfishness and avarice of power Jack demonstrates, but turning the tables, you could also notice Jack’s confidence before the actual elections. This might suggest how Jack is completely sure he can be a better leader, which after turns out to be true towards the end of the novel. Secondly, I would like to point out again how attractive Jack is towards the rest of the boys, as he satisfies completely their primal desires: fun, hunting, messing around. He shows this several times, one of them being: â€Å"he gave a wild whoop and leapt on the pale sand. At once the platform was full of noise and excitement, scrambling, screams and laughter.† This particularly evidences the esteem and admiration the kids feel towards Jack. This is a reason he could be a better leader. Who wants to be a boring, civilized loser, and not a courageous, enthusiastic hunter who likes to kill everything? Which kid would not choose a trusty and confident, skilful leader, over a weak, unstable drag, who can only rely on a fat chatterbox with no benefits of any kind? Therefore this means that I would like to refer again to Ralph’s instability and lack of confidence, as he actually admits in a way to piggy, that Jack is much superior to him, and this is the worst thing a leader can do: not believe in himself. Even more severe is the fact that Ralph almost fears Jack, not only as a menace to his reputation and leadership, but also as a major threat to him. This is shown as Piggy states how Jack detests him, but also detests Ralph, â€Å"maybe because he’s the leader†. He simply says, â€Å"But he’s Jack Merridew!† Another proof of Jack’s power of attention over the kids is after his speech: â€Å"Jack handed the conch and sat. The whole assembly applauded in relief.† He had just insulted most of the little kids, saying they were â€Å"a bunch of cry-babies† which â€Å"never helped doing anything†. But they applauded anyways; by this we can deduce that he is a general referring-point for all, as a brave, imponent figure. But in this case it is important to draw out the fact that Jack just gave spirit and taught a lesson to the littleuns. To conclude the speech, I am going to finish by saying that Jack is certainly the most catchy and enthusiastic leader, and a perfect one, for boys and â€Å"littleuns†. Said, because even the author himself outlines this, by this last quote made by Ralph, which states Jack’s supremacy on him and the boys.

Glass Castle Essay

However, there are some far more substantial themes and symbols taking place within the novel. These themes require a little more critical thought, and aren’t directly delivered to the reader. One of these themes being the heavy emphasis placed on the glass castle, and also metaphorically what it signifies to Jeanette and her father, Rex. Through extensive deliberation and thought, the meaning of the glass castle becomes clear. It stands for the contrast between how Jeanette views her father, and how everyone else sees him. The idea of the glass castle in itself is the idolized version of Rex that Jeanette sees, while the reality of it never being completed, represents the views that everyone else has. Throughout the novel there are multiple instances that show the strong love and trust Jeanette feels for her father. A bond that remains strong, even when other member’s of the family have lost some of that trust. This contrast of emotions can best be described through various quotes given throughout the novel. â€Å"In my mind, Dad was perfect, although he did have what mom called a bit of a drinking situation† (Walls 23). This is one of the first occasions where the reader is introduced to the contrasting feelings about Rex that members of the Walls family have. Jeannette, despite already knowing that her father has a drinking problem at a young age, still feels that her father can do no wrong. This sets the scene for how most of the book develops, Jeannette idolizing her father, despite the slight disdain visibly felt by others. â€Å"We laughed about all the kids who believed in the Santa Clause myth and got nothing but a bunch of cheap plastic toys. Years from now, when all the junk they got is broken and long forgotten,’ dad said, ‘ you’ll still have your stars† (41). This is yet another example of the strong bond developed between Rex and Jeannette. However, it is important to note this quote is delivered at a time when Rex is still in relatively good standings with the rest of the family, besides just Jeannette. On that Christmas, even though he couldn’t provide his children with material gifts, he was still able to deliver a memorable gift, which the children could cherish for the rest of their lives. I swear honey, there are times when I think you’re the only one around who still has faith in me,’ he said. ’I don’t know what I’d do if you ever lost it. ’ I told him I would never lose faith in him. And I promised myself I never would† (78-79). This quote perfectly sums up the relationship Rex had with his daughter. It also further exemplifies th e acknowledged differences between how Jeannette feels about her father, and how the rest of the family feels. Even though Rex has let Jeannette down just as many times as Lori, or Brian, she is still able to somehow see past these faults of Rex’s. Throughout this novel the character’s general feelings on Rex sway dramatically. Even Jeannette’s feelings for her father are tried at some points. Yet through everything that happens she never truly loses faith in her father. Jeannette always maintains a sense of respect and love for Rex, despite the tribulations he has brought the family through. Even up to his last moments on his deathbed, Jeannette’s positive feelings for her father remain strong. This contrasted affection between what Jeannette feels for Rex, and what everyone else thinks, is what the glass castle really signifies.

98 Election Vocabulary Terms

Every November has an Election Day, set by statute as the Tuesday next after the first Monday in November. This day is provided for the  general elections  of  federal  public officials. General elections of state and local public officials are   included on this first Tuesday after November 1. To talk about the importance of any federal, state, and local elections, students will need to understand the key terms or vocabulary as part of their  civics instruction.   The  Social Studies Frameworks for College, Career, and Civic Life  (C3s) outline  the requirements teachers must follow to prepare students to participate in a productive constitutional democracy:​ ....[student] civic engagement requires knowledge of the history, principles, and foundations of our American democracy, and the ability to participate in civic and democratic processes. People demonstrate civic engagement when they address public problems individually and collaboratively and when they maintain, strengthen, and improve communities and societies. Thus, civics is, in part, the study of how people participate in governing society (31). Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor  echoed the responsibility that teachers have to prepare students for their role as citizens. She has stated: â€Å"Knowledge about our system of government, our rights and responsibilities as citizens, is not passed down through the gene pool. Each generation must be taught and we have work to do!† To understand any upcoming election, high school students should become familiar with the vocabulary of the electoral process. Teachers should be aware that some language is also cross-disciplinary. For example, personal appearance can refer to a persons wardrobe and demeanor, but in the context of an election, it means an event that a candidate attends in person.   Teachers can use an analogy to objects students know to teach some of the vocabulary  needed for informed citizenship.   For example, the teacher may write on the board, â€Å"The candidate stands by his record.† Students may then say what they think the term means. The teacher can then discuss with the students the nature of a  candidates record  (something written down or what a person says). This will help students understand how the context of the word record  is more specific in an election: record: a list showing a candidates or elected officials voting history (often in relation to a specific issue) Once they understand the meaning of the word, students may then decide to research a candidates record on websites such as Ontheissues.org. Vocabulary Software Program One way to help students become familiar with this election year vocabulary is to have them use the digital platform Quizlet. This free software gives teachers and students a variety of modes: specialized learning mode, flashcards, randomly generated tests, and collaboration tools to study words. Teachers can create, copy, and modify vocabulary lists to suit the needs of their students; not all words need to be included. The entire list of the 98 words below isavailable on QUIZLETfor teachers and students. 98 Vocabulary Terms for the Election Season: Absentee ballot: a mailable paper ballot that is used by voters who will not be able to vote on Election Day (like military personnel stationed overseas). The absentee ballots are mailed before election day and counted on election day. Abstain: to refuse to exercise the right to vote. Acceptance speech: speech delivered by a candidate when accepting a political party’s nomination for the national presidential election. Absolute majority: a total of more than 50% of the votes cast. Alternative energy:  a source of energy other than fossil fuels, e.g. wind, solar Amendment: a  change to the U.S. Constitution or the constitution of a state. Voters must approve any changes to a constitution. Bipartisan: support that is given by members of the two major political parties (i.e.: the Democrats and the Republicans).   Blanket primary: a primary election in which the names of all the candidates for all the parties are on one ballot. Ballot: either in paper form or electronic, the way voters to show their vote preferences or a list of candidates. (ballot box: the  box used to hold ballots to be counted). Campaign: the process of gathering public support for a candidate. Campaign ad:  advertising in support of (or against) a candidate. Campaign finance:  money political candidates use for their campaigns. Campaign mailing:  flyers, letters, postcards, etc., mailed to citizens to promote a candidate. Campaign website:  Internet website devoted to getting an individual elected. Campaign season: a period of time that candidates work to inform the public and gain support before the election. Candidate: the person running for elected office. Cast:  to vote for a candidate or issue Caucus: meetings where political party leaders and supporters choose candidates through discussion and consensus. Center: representing  those beliefs that are in the middle between conservative and liberal ideals. Citizen: A person who is a legal member of a nation, country, or other organized, self-governing political community, such as any of the fifty U.S. states. Chief Executive:  Presidential role involving overseeing the Executive Branch of the government Closed primary: a primary election in which only those voters who have registered as belonging to a particular political party can vote. Coalition:  a group of political stakeholders that are working together. Commander-In-Chief:  Presidents role as being the leader of the military Congressional district: an area within a state from which a member of the House of Representatives is elected. There are 435 Congressional districts. Conservative:  have a belief or political leaning that favors individuals and businesses—not the government— to find solutions for society’s problems. Constituency:  the voters in a district that a legislator represents Contributor/donor: a person or organization that donates money to a candidate’s campaign for office. Consensus:  a majority agreement or opinion. Convention:  a meeting where a political party chooses its presidential candidate. Delegates:  the people who have been chosen to represent each state at a political party’s convention. Democracy:  a form of government in which people hold power, either by voting for measures directly or by voting for representatives who vote for them. Electorate:  all persons having the right to vote. Election Day: the Tuesday after the first Monday in November;   2016 Election will be held November 8th. Electoral College: each state has a group of people called electors who cast the actual votes for president. This group of 538 people  is chosen by the voters to elect the President of the United States.  When people vote for a presidential candidate, they are voting to decide for which candidate the electors in their state will vote.  electors: people elected by the voters in a presidential election as members of the electoral college Endorsement:  the support or approval for a candidate by a prominent individual. Exit poll: an informal poll taken as people leave the voting booth. Exit polls are used to predict the winners before the polls close. Federal system: a  form of government in which power is divided among a central government and state and local governments. Front-runner:  a front-runner is a political candidate who looks as though he/she is winning G.O.P.: the nickname used for the Republican Party and stands for the Grand Old Party. Inauguration Day: the day a new president and vice president are sworn into office (January 20). Incumbent: a  person who already holds an office who is running for reelection independent voter:  A person who chooses to register to vote with no party affiliation. The decision to register as an independent voter does not register a voter with any third party although these third parties are often referred to as independent parties. Initiative:  a  proposed law that voters can place on the ballot in some states. If the initiative is passed, it will become a law or constitutional amendment. Issues: topics on which citizens feel strongly;  common examples are immigration, access to health care, finding energy sources, and how to provide quality education. Leadership qualities:  personality traits that inspire confidence -- include honesty, good communication skills, trustworthiness, commitment, intelligence Left: another word for liberal political views. Liberal: political leaning that favors  the governments role in solving society’s problems and a belief that government should take action for creating solutions. Libertarian:  a person who belongs to the Libertarian political party. Majority party: the political party that is represented by more than 50% of the members in the Senate or the House of Representatives. Majority rule: A principle of democracy that the greater number of citizens in any political unit should select officials and determine policies. Majority rule is one of the most important principles of democracy but is not always practiced in societies that value consensus.   Media: news organizations that deliver information through television, radio, newspaper, or the Internet.   Midterm election: a general election that does not occur during a presidential election year. In a midterm election, some members of the US Senate, members of the House of Representatives, and many state and local positions are elected. Minority party: the political party that is represented by less than 50% of the members in the Senate or the House of Representatives.   Minority rights: the principle of a constitutional democracy that government elected by a majority must respect the basic right of minorities. National convention:  National Party meeting where candidates are selected and the platform is created. Natural-born citizen:  citizenship requirements for running for President. Negative ads:  political advertisements that attack the candidates opponent, often trying to destroy the opponents character. Nominee: the candidate a political party chooses or nominates, to run in the national election. Nonpartisan: free from party affiliation or bias. Opinion polls: surveys that ask members of the public how they feel about different issues. Partisan: relating to a particular political party;  biased in support of a side; favoring one side of an issue. Personal appearance: an event that a candidate attends in person. Platform: A political partys formal statement of basic principles, stands on major issues, and objectives Policy: position the government takes on what role the government should have in solving the issues facing our country. Political symbols: The Republican Party is symbolized as an elephant. The Democratic Party is symbolized as a donkey. Political Action Committee (PAC): an organization that is formed by an individual or special interest group to raise money for political campaigns. Political machines:  an organization linked to a political party that often controlled local government Political parties: organized groups of people who share similar beliefs about how the government should be run and how the issues facing our country should be solved. Poll:  sample of opinions taken from a random group of people; used to show where citizens stand on issues and/or candidates. Polling place:  a place where voters go to cast their votes in an election. Pollster:  someone who conducts surveys of public opinion. Popular vote: a  tally of all the votes citizens have cast in the presidential election. Precinct:  a district of a city or town marked out for administrative purposes -usually 1000 persons. Press secretary: a person who deals with the media for the candidate Presumptive nominee:  the candidate who is assured of his or her partys nomination, but has not yet been formally nominated Presidential ticket: the joint listing of the presidential and vice presidential candidates on the same ballot as required by the Twelfth Amendment. Primary election: an election in which people vote for the presidential candidate they want to represent their political party in the national election.   Primary season: the months during which states hold primary elections. Public interest group:  an organization that seeks a collective good that will not selectively and materially benefit the members of the group. Record: information about how a politician has voted on bills and statements made about issues while serving in office. Recount: counting the votes again if there is some disagreement about the election process Referendum:  Ã‚  a proposed piece of legislation (a law) that people can directly vote on. (also called a ballot measure, initiative or proposition)  Ã‚  Referendums approved by the voters become law.   Representative:  a member of the House of Representatives, also called a congressman or congresswoman Republic:  Ã‚  A country that has a government in which power is held by the people who elect representatives to manage the government for them.   Right: another word for conservative political views. Running mate: a candidate who is running for office with another candidate on the same ticket. (Example: president and vice president). succession:  a word that refers to the sequence of who will become President after an election or in an emergency. suffrage:  the right, privilege, or act of voting. Swing voters: voters who do not have a commitment to a particular political party. Taxes: money paid by citizens to fund the government and public services. Third party: any political party other than the two major parties (Republican and Democratic).   Town Hall meeting:  discussion in which people in the community voice opinions, ask questions and hear responses from candidates running for office. Two-party system: political party system with two major political parties. Voting age: The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says that people have the right to vote when they turn 18. Voting Rights Act: An act passed in 1965 that protected the right to vote for all U.S. citizens. It forced the states to obey the U.S. Constitution. It made it clear that the right to vote could not be denied because of a person’s color or race. Vice President:  the office that also serves as the President of the Senate. Ward:  a district into which a city or town is divided for the purpose of administration and elections.