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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
2021 Student Voting Results
2019 Student Voting Results
2019 Impact Survey Results
2020 Student Voting Results
2020 Impact Survey Results
2018 Student Voting Results
Supreme Court Infographic
Are You Smarter than a New U.S. Citizen?
Political Parties Infographic
What’s New
Ideas for Teachers for October 2022 Issues
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Issue 1: Methane Emissions
Where do you stand on whether the U.S. government, and specifically the Environmental Protection Agency, should be doing about global warming and climate change?
Why are methane emissions from transportation a problem? Do you have any suggestions for how methane emissions can be reduced?
What alternative sources of fuel or other means of transport are available, which would reduce emissions?
SGAP Newsletter for October 2022 (Methane Emissions + For the People Act)
Inflation Reduction Act Signed Into Law, but Will It Reduce Inflation?
ON AUG. 16, President Joe Biden signed into into law H.R.5376 or the “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022,” which passed in the Senate earlier in August. The legislation is an ambitious measure that aims to lower prescription drug prices, tackle climate change, reduce the deficit and impose a 15-percent minimum tax on large corporations. The Congressional Budget Office said the Inflation Reduction Act will have “a negligible effect” on inflation in 2022, and in 2023 it would reduce inflation by 0.1%. Biden was joined by Democratic leaders including Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), whose support was crucial to passage of the act along party lines. Biden said that the legislation is “one of the most significant laws in our history.”
SGAP Newsletter for September 2022 (Gun Safety and Court Packing)
Congress Passes Bipartisan Legislation on Gun Safety: ON JUNE 25, President Joe Biden signed into law the ”Bipartisan Safer Communities Act,” the first major gun safety legislation passed by Congress in nearly 30 years. The signing came just over a month after the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, killed 19 children and two adults. Sponsored by Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), the bipartisan legislation includes incentives for states to pass so-called red flag laws that allow groups to petition courts to remove weapons from people deemed a threat to themselves or others.
Research Links and Discussion Questions for September 2022 Issues
RESEARCH LINKS Issue 1: Protecting Our Kids Act Congress.gov: H.R.7910 “Protecting Our Kids Act” Congressional Budget Office: “Estimated Budgetary Effects of Protecting Our Kids Act” RAND Corporation: “Gun Policy in America — Effects of Minimum Age Requirements” Pew...
Research Links and Discussion Questions for May 2022 Topics
Issue 1: Energy Independence
1. Why would a country want to achieve energy independence? What are the benefits?
2. Which approach should be at the heart of U.S. national energy policy—increasing energy production domestically or shifting the emphasis to renewable energy resources such as wind and solar? Outline the reasons for your answer.
3. What should the United States do about climate change? Should it adopt strong policies to reduce the use of fossil fuels? Or should it encourage more research and hold off on adopting strict requirements for now? Why?
SGAP Newsletter for May 2022 (Energy Independence + CROWN Act)
Changes to Longstanding Traditions Signal Shakeups for 2024 Presidential Elections: IN APRIL, both the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC) initiated changes to longstanding party traditions, signaling shakeups to come for the 2024 presidential elections. On April 13, the Democratic National Committee voted to stop giving Iowa and New Hampshire the automatic privilege of going first in holding presidential nominating contests in the primary process.