They heard a shot come from an unknown area, and were afraid it was coming towards them.
Primarily agricultural economies presided in the middle colonies, where foodstuffs were grown and fishing was done along the coasts. Furthermore, logging and animal trapping and hunting (for food and furs) also contributed to the economy.
Old people who are wealthier...The reason being is they have an advantage of knowing political people...They also vote to protect what they have and are not willing to give up such as, Medicare and Social Security...The lowest voting turnout would be the racially and ethnically diverse less educated.
You could start off with the news report about how Soviet and U.S almost started another war due to a missile crisis with Cuba or how soviet's government is different from ours. Basically compare and contract Soviet and U.S.
Hopefully this can get you a head start
Have a great day :)