Questions for All Topics

What is the history of the issue?

What government actions/decisions/laws have occurred in the past?

What role does the government have in this issue?

How does this issue relate to democratic ideals and constitutional principles?

What are the different viewpoints on the issue?

How would you resolve the issue while balancing individual rights with the common good?

What evidence and data can you use to support the different viewpoints? (Besides what you find through your research, think about the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation,
Constitution, and Bill of Rights Primary Resources)
Physician Assisted Suicide (PAS)
Legalization of Marijuana
Airport Security/Screening passengers
Capital Punishment (Death Penalty)
Gun Control
Immigration (Dream Act)
Government Wiretapping

FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act 1978)

PATRIOT Act (2001)

Current policy under Bush Administration
Nationally Gay Marriage
Pro (for same sex marriage)
Con (against same sex marriage amendment)-

Federalism (National v State Issue)-Some states now have amendments that oppose same-sex marriages, while other states are beginning to recognize same sex unions. Look at states over the past few years that have wrestled with this issue.

Search Tips….
Look for sites that are from Showalter Database: World Book Encyclopedia , Grolier
On-Line Encyclopedias , ABC-Clio Social Studies: americangovernment.abc-clio.com
, americanhistory.abc-clio.com
, www.eLibrary.com
Abortion

Roe v Wade (1973)

Pro Life/Pro Choice

Partial Birth Abortion Act of 2003

When does a life become a life?

Which founding documents are involved here?
Capital Punishment/Death Penalty

Which founding documents are involved here?

Amnesty International USA
 Google search: “landmark Capital Punishment decisions”
Same Sex Marriage/Marriage Equality

Which founding documents are involved here?

DOMA (1996) Defense of Marriage Act

Proposed Constitutional Amendment 2003
Gun Rights

Which founding documents are involved?

Gun Control vs Gun Rights

Gun Rights-check out the National Rifle Association (NRA)

Gun Control-check out Brady Campaign to Control Gun Violence

Federal Assault Weapons Ban (1994)
Immigration

Immigration Act of 1921

Immigration and multiculturalism

Shaping and reshaping of American immigration

Myths vs truths