This inquiry explores some of the dynamic changes that have influenced political reform efforts in North Dakota through the investigation of the compelling question "has agrarian radicalism shaped North Dakota politics long term?” The importance of understanding political reform efforts, especially agrarian radicalism, in this inquiry is twofold: (1) students should be able to understand some of the changes that influenced the state’s early politics and societal norms and (2) students will benefit from understanding how these reform efforts influenced and developed into North Dakota’s modern society. While progressing through the inquiry, students will analyze the changes occurring in state politics and speculate future scenarios for public policy development. In doing so, students can better understand the impact of state politics on their own lives and how public policy is made and changed.
This inquiry is expected to take two class periods; however, teachers are encouraged to adapt the inquiry to meet the needs and interests of their students and the amount of time they have available.
- Internet and library resources
- Usher L. Burdick’s Early Political Career in North Dakota and the Rise of the Nonpartisan League
- Summary of the Nonpartisan League (NPL)
- The Five League "Planks" by John M. Baer
- An Interview with Henry R. Martinson
- US v Langer et. al.: The U.S. District Attorney’s Files
- Guardian of the Land: Arthur A. Link
- Internet and library resources
Understand: Students will present their case studies on populist movements to the class.
Assess: Have a class deliberation about the effectiveness of populist movements.
Act: Students will present their argument to a student or local newspaper or an elected official.