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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
2023 Student Voting Results
2022 SGAP Year in Review
2023 SGAP Year in Review
2022 Impact Survey Results
2023 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 10/2024 (Digital Privacy + SNAP Benefits)
Issue 2: National Privacy Law
- Using the U.S. state privacy law tracker (link above), look up your state’s privacy law. How would you feel if a weaker national privacy law preempted your state’s privacy law?
- Read the Tech Policy opinion piece by Vermont State Representative Monique Priestley (link above). Are you surprised by her stance? Why or why not?
- Which is more important—having access to online content and social media sharing, or privacy? Is there a way to have both? Why or why not?
- Digital privacy spans many areas of our lives, including government spying on U.S. citizens, parental monitoring of their children, and corporate tracking of consumers. Which of these types of spying is the most egregious? Why?
- Over history, the federal government has expanded its powers at the expense of the states. Why do you think the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has not protected state power more effectively from federal encroachment?
Student Forum Newsletter 10/2024 (Digital Privacy + SNAP Benefits)
2024 ELECTION DEBATES
Presidential Debate
Date: September 10, 2024
Host: ABC News
Kamala Harris vs. Donald J. Trump
Democrat Republican
Vice Presidential Debate
Date: October 1, 2024
Host: CBS News
Tim Walz vs. JD Vance
Democrat Republican
Ideas for Teachers September 2024 (Voter Eligibility + Supreme Court Term Limits)
Issue 1: SAVE Act (Voter Eligibility)
- Should Congress pass the SAVE Act to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote? Why or why not?
- Do those with the right to vote have more power than those without? Why or why not?
- Why are so many people apathetic when it comes to voting? What happens (or could happen) when people do not vote?
- Do you think it makes sense to be 18 and not exercise your right to vote? Why or why not?
- What issues would bring more young people to the polls to vote, if included on ballots?
SGAP Newsletter September 2024 (Voter Eligibility + Supreme Court Term Limits)
EYES ON THE ELECTION
America’s eyes are finally fixated on the 2024 presidential election. Recent shakeups have upended the state of U.S. politics, adding an unexpected twist to the storyline.
Ideas for Teachers May 2024
Issue 1: TikTok Ban
- Should TikTok be banned in the U.S.? Why or why not? What alternative solutions do you suggest?
- Although they’re owned by the same company, China’s version of TikTok offers a child-friendly version, with educational videos and a time limit that isn’t offered in the U.S. Do you think it’s possible China is using TikTok to influence a generation of American youth?
- Is TikTok merely a fun video app, or something more insidious? If you were a parent, would you allow your kids to use the app? Why or why not?
- The TikTok app contains a great deal of private information about American users and this data is stored offshore. But is it futile to worry about Chinese government surveillance in an age where all big tech companies (and the U.S. government) are spying on us anyway?
- Should American federal or state governments ban TikTok on government devices? Why or why not?
SGAP Newsletter May 2024 (TikTok Ban + Ukraine Aid)
Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Implement 32-hour Workweek
IN MARCH, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced the “Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act” in their respective chambers. If passed, the legislation would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to reduce the standard workweek from 40 to 32 hours per week for non-exempt (salaried) employees.
Over a four-year period, the legislation would lower the threshold required for overtime pay, from 40 to 32 hours; require overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times a worker’s regular salary for workdays longer than 8 hours; and require overtime pay at double a worker’s regular salary for workdays longer than 12 hours.
Due to technological advances in automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence, Sanders says U.S. businesses can now afford to give employees more time off without cutting their pay.