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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
2022 SGAP Year in Review
2022 Impact Survey Results
2022 Student Voting Results
2021 Student Voting Results
2019 Student Voting Results
2019 Impact Survey Results
Supreme Court Infographic
Are You Smarter than a New U.S. Citizen?
Political Parties Infographic
What’s New
Ideas for Teachers for April 2023
Issue 1: Dream Act
- What are some reasons people immigrate (legally and illegally) to the United States? What challenges might they face? Do you think their expectations for a better life are met? If not, how does this country disappoint or not live up its promise?
- What do you think the U.S. government should do to address the legal status of undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children?
- Who are the Dreamers? What requirements must they meet to be eligible for citizenship under the Dream Act?
- What is the most compelling argument to pass the Dream Act? What is the most convincing reason not to?
- What solutions might students offer legislators when considering the futures of young people brought to the country as children?
SGAP Newsletter for April 2023 (Dream Act + Universal Child Care)
U.S. TikTok Ban Legislation Advances in House
ON MARCH 1, Republicans on the House Foreign Affairs Committee forced through a bill that could effectively ban TikTok from all mobile devices in the U.S. despite united opposition from Democrats.
“Everybody knows what TikTok is,” said Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), the bill’s sponsor. “It’s too dangerous to be on our phones as members of Congress. It’s too dangerous to be on our children’s phones. That’s the whole point of this bill.”
The committee ultimately advanced Rep. McCaul’s DATA Act, H.R.1153, by a vote of 24 to 16, with all Democrats voting no.
Civil Discourse in the United States
Discussing politics and other topics where people can have strong and different opinions can lead to heated discussions. Engaging in conversations to enhance understanding can be tricky, but it is a worthwhile skill and important to learn to do well.
Ideas for Teachers for March 2023
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Issue 1: Strategic Petroleum Reserve
1. President Biden’s recent release of oil from the SPR succeeded in reducing the cost of gasoline for Americans. Yet the SPR has dropped to its lowest level since 1985 in less than a year. Did Biden make the right decision? Why or why not?
2. The SPR wasn’t technically designed to help the U.S. government manage the price consumers pay for gasoline, but it has been used that way by multiple administrations. Does this make it “okay” for administrations to tap into it for that purpose?
3. H.R.21 limits the drawdown of petroleum in the SPR until the Department of Energy develops a plan to increase the percentage of federal lands leased for oil and gas production. Should alternatives to oil and gas production, such as renewable energy options, also be considered as solutions? Why or why not?
4. Is releasing emergency oil reserves when there are no fuel shortages or lines at the pump worth what might come next? Is the benefit to the American public worth the risk?
5. What is your perception of President Biden’s motives for tapping the SPR to lower gas prices? Are his intentions politically motivated? Why or why not?
SGAP Newsletter for March 2023 (Petroleum Reserve + DC Statehood)
President Biden Delivers State of the Union Address to ‘Interactive’ Audience
ON FEB. 7, President Joe Biden delivered his second State of the Union (SOTU) address since he’s been in office. Speaking to a divided Congress for the first time, an optimistic Biden made the case that the nation was stronger and more stable than when he assumed office two years ago.
Throughout Biden’s speech, tensions were on display in the chamber. On several occasions, Republicans interrupted the President by heckling, despite the attempts of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to shush his congressional colleagues and control the emotion.
The most disruptive moments came when President Biden charged that Republicans wanted to “sunset” Social Security and Medicare as part of their efforts to reduce the deficit. Republicans erupted in almost theatrical outrage. “Liar,” shouted Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) while others booed and jeered.
Many Republican members of Congress, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), have stated that they are not in favor of cutting the Social Security and Medicare programs.
2022 SGAP Student Voting Results Infographic
Think It Through
1. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “Those who stay away from the election think that one vote will do no good: ‘Tis but one step more to think one vote will do no harm.” What do you think he meant by this quote?
2. Looking at the student voting results, particularly at the “Undecided” percentages, which issues will be the most important to our country’s future voters? What issues are important to you?
3. How does voting affect the future of our country?