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Write Your Member of Congress
Through SGAP’s parent company, National Write Your Congressman, you can use the Constituent Opinion Ballot to write your members of congress about key legislation underway. NWYC provides small businesses with nonpartisan information and research on top issues and pending legislation in Congress.
America’s Legacy Book
The Foundation of Freedom
Written for middle and high school students, the new “America’s Legacy” book focuses on the text and history of the United States’ Founding Documents, including the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. Additional sections cover the elements of citizenship (how to be a good American citizen); the three branches of government and separation of powers; and excerpts from great American speeches. Interesting “Freedom Facts” and SGAP infographics are included throughout the book.
About Us
Established by National Write Your Congressman in 1992, the Student Governmental Affairs Program is a national nonprofit organization headquartered near Dallas, Texas. SGAP brings U.S. government and civics to life through a monthly newsletter that educates K-12 students about current legislation in Congress, presents pro/con perspectives from both sides of the aisle, and asks them to vote on the issues. SGAP supplements classroom instruction with nonpartisan educational materials that teach responsible citizenship through active participation. SGAP’s civics educational program is received by students in all 50 states and D.C., with about four million students having participated since its inception.
In 2019, SGAP received an Honorable Mention in the National Category for the American Civic Collaboration Awards (“Civvys”). Developed by the Bridge Alliance Education Fund, Big Tent Nation, and the National Conference on Citizenship in 2017, the Civvys Awards are among the most high-profile and visible aspects of the civic renewal movement.
Organizations We Partner With
Featured SGAP Infographics
2024 Impact Survey Results
2024 Student Voting Results
2023 Impact Survey Results
2023 Student Voting Results
2022 SGAP Year in Review
2023 SGAP Year in Review
2022 Impact Survey Results
2022 Student Voting Results
Presidential Demographics in the 21st Century Infographic
Divided Politics in America Infographic
Political Parties Infographic
What’s New
Links and Discussion Questions November 2025 – Teacher Ideas
Issue 1: No Congressional Pay
- Is it fair for lawmakers to receive a paycheck while many federal employees are furloughed or forced to work without pay?
- Do you think that withholding pay of congress members would be an effective incentive to avoid a government shutdown? Why or why not?
- Some members of congress have announced they are giving up their paychecks or donating them to charity during the government shutdown. If you were a member of congress, would you keep your paycheck or give it up? Why or why not?
- Does focusing on congressional pay distract from the real problem of partisan gridlock and an inability to compromise on budget matters? Why or why not?
- Could a “no pay” rule actually encourage more shutdowns? Could a shutdown be used as a political tactic to exert pressure on opponents?
Student Forum Newsletter November 2025
U.S. Government Shutdown Enters Third Week as Congress Remains at Stalemate
AS OF OCT. 15, the federal government remained shut down for a third week.
The government shutdown began on Oct. 1, after Republican and Democrat lawmakers failed to resolve a budget deadlock.
Thousands of federal workers continue to go without pay, agencies are scaling back critical operations, and the effects are beginning to ripple through the economy.
With no breakthrough in sight, congressional leaders are facing mounting pressure to strike a deal as funding reserves run dry, and frustration grows among constituents.
Links and Discussion Questions October 2025 – Teacher Ideas
Issue 1: Troops in U.S. Cities
- Do you support or oppose the federal government sending troops into American cities to deter crime? Why or why not?
- Is the federal government overstepping its authority by using troops to enforce federal immigration law or to counter local civil unrest? Why or why not?
- What role does the media play in shaping public perception of unrest and the necessity of federal intervention?
- What ethical dilemmas might military personnel face when ordered to act as domestic law enforcement in U.S. cities?
- Do some political leaders frame crime in certain cities as a way to justify federal intervention? Why or why not? How might claims of a “breakdown in law and order” shape public perception and political discourse?
Student Forum Newsletter October 2025
Conservative Youth Activist Charlie Kirk Assassinated in Tragic Act of Political Violence
ON SEPT. 10, conservative youth activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while addressing an audience on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. He is survived by his wife, Erika Kirk, and their two young children.
On Sept. 12—just 36 hours after Kirk’s murder—authorities arrested a suspect, 22-year-old Tyler James Robinson. Bullets recovered nearby were inscribed with anti-fascist messages.
Kirk, who was age 31, founded Turning Point USA, a large conservative student organization, and mentored young conservatives.
Links and Discussion Questions September 2025 – Teacher Ideas
- What are the arguments in favor of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and its potential benefits for teenagers online? What are the potential drawbacks of KOSA (e.g., freedom of speech)?
- Do you feel that the KOSA legislation effectively balances the need to protect children online with the importance of free speech and expression? Why or why not?
- One of KOSA’s goals is to address the impact of the internet on youth mental health. Do you believe the bill effectively does this? Why or why not?
- If you were a member of congress, what changes (if any) would you make to the KOSA bill? Why?
- How have social media and online platforms affected you, your family, and/or friends? Lawmakers listen to personal testimonies and stories.
Student Forum Newsletter September 2025
ON JULY 4, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the signature legislation known as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” scoring a major second-term achievement after navigating narrow Republican majorities in congress.
The new law will touch nearly every aspect of the American economy, from the social safety net and income taxes to business and clean energy incentives. The legislation makes the 2017 income tax cuts permanent; it is estimated to increase deficits by $3.4 trillion.