US Constitution
First discuss the specific language of the 2nd Amendment and possible interpretations of the Founders intent, then decide what, if any restrictions on gun ownership are constitutional.
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
First discuss the original text of the Constitution (Article I) regarding the election of Senators, then decide if the 17th Amendment should be repealed.
Original language -
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six Years; and each Senator shall have one vote.
Amendment XVII
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.
When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.
This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect that the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution
First, discuss the implications of the 1st Amendment for the expression of free speech and religious faith in our public institutions, then decide if the phrase “under God” should continue to be used in the Pledge of Allegiance in our public schools.
First, discuss the most significant strengths and weaknesses of the US Constitution, then decide what changes to the Constitution might be advisable in the future.
First, discuss the principle of federalism as it is spelled out in the US Constitution, then decide whether laws such as those concerning the legal status of marijuana use and the issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples should be decided at the state level or the federal level.
Supreme Court
First, decide if the court should be an institution which demands of society social change. Then, discuss if the Supreme Court moves quickly enough when taking on social practices.
First, discuss the effects of live video feeds since their introduction to state courtrooms. Then, decide if live video access should be made public during Supreme Court hearings and oral arguments.
First, discuss if Supreme Court Justices are too out of touch with average Americans to effectively render proper rulings. Then, decide if Supreme Court Justices should be required to retire at a certain age.
First discuss how the Supreme Court should determine the limits to free expression on the internet. Then decide if it would be appropriate for the court to rule to restrict threatening speech on the internet in cases such as Elonis v. the United States.
First, discuss if the Supreme Court is likely to overturn a key aspect of the Affordable Care Act. Then, decide if the court should take into account the effects on the population as part of their judgements, or solely base judgments on constitutionality.
Climate Change
First, discuss if environmental regulations such as the carbon tax are successful in encouraging companies to pursue renewable sources of energy. Then, decide what are the most effective governmental policies in motivating the corporate sector of a country to act on climate change.
First, discuss if the “Green Revolution” has had a significant impact on developing countries that are still in the process of industrialization. Then, decide how the governments of these countries should seek environmental sustainability while still staying economically practical.
First, discuss if the Millennial Generation has significantly different views towards global warming than the previous generations. Then, decide how subsequent generations should adapt and deal with the consequences of climate change.
First, discuss the environmental costs associated with the farming of both plants and animals. Then, decide how humans should manage the production of affordable food while maintaining a healthy environment.
Government Shutdown (November 2014)
First, discuss the root causes of the recent Federal Government shutdown. Then, decide what can be done to prevent a second shutdown early next year.
First, discuss who or what type of people were most effected by the Federal Government shutdown. Then, decide if any positive outcomes emerged from the deal to reopen the government.
First, discuss why some parts of the federal government were shut down during the recent budget battle, while others were not. Then, decide how the effect of the action might have been different if the entire federal government had been shut down.
US National Security
Discuss Edward Snowden’s leaks of classified information and their impact on US national security and the pursuit of democratic ideals. Then, decide how the US should adapt its domestic and international policy to address these concerns.
Discuss the effectiveness and legitimacy of targeted drone strikes by the US military and intelligence agencies. Then, decide how the US should adapt or maintain its drone policy in the future, addressing practical concerns and the international response.
Discuss the main terrorist threats that the US faces today, identifying the groups involved and the type of threats presented. Then, identify some strategies to address those threats, bearing in mind the historical challenges involved in fighting terrorism.
Children at Play
First, discuss if programs such as the NFL’s Play 60 which encourages children to engage in active play, are effective in changing behavior. Then, decide what are the most effective programs to engage youngsters in physical activity.
First, discuss if violent video games are desensitizing children to violent actions. Then, decide what, if any, kind of age restriction or regulation should be in place in regards to violent video games.
First, discuss if the organized, physical games in which children and teenagers are involved are faster, more dangerous, or more intense than they were in the past. Then, decide how to balance competitive nature with the potential for student athlete injuries.
