RESEARCH LINKS

CONCEALED-CARRY RECIPROCITY deals with whether a person licensed to carry a concealed firearm in one state can carry in another state, and the Second and Tenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution frame the debate. The Second Amendment is cited as the right to bear arms, while the Tenth Amendment concerns states’ rights to regulate matters not delegated to the federal government.

Issue 1: Senate Filibuster
Senate.gov: “About Filibusters and Cloture” 
PBS: “What Is the Filibuster and Why Does Trump Want to Get Rid of It?” 
Washington Post: “Trump Wants to Abolish the Filibuster, GOP Senators Don’t” 
USA Today: “How the Senate Filibuster Works, Why Trump Wants It Ended” 
Associated Press: “Trump Faces Rare Republican Pushback to Scrap Filibuster” 
Brennan Center for Justice: “The Case Against the Filibuster” 

Issue 2: Concealed Carry Reciprocity
Congress.gov: H.R.38, “Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act” 
NRA: “House Judiciary Committee Advances Concealed Carry Reciprocity” 
U.S. Concealed Carry Association: “Concealed Carry Reciprocity Map” 
Everytown for Gun Safety: “Concealed Carry Mandate Is Dangerous”
America’s First Freedom: “Does Concealed Carry Reciprocity Have a Chance?”
The Hill OpEd: “Congress Must Act on the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act” 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: Senate Filibuster

1. Is the Senate filibuster necessary for promoting compromise in the U.S. Senate, or does it give the minority party too much power to block the legislative process?
2. Should the U.S. Senate keep the filibuster, reform it, or eliminate it altogether? What might be the consequences of each option?
3. What are the primary advantages and disadvantages of the Senate filibuster as it currently operates?
4. When would a political party be more likely to support or oppose the abolishing of the filibuster? Do these positions change depending on whether the party is in the majority or minority?
5. What potential reforms could address concerns about the filibuster while still protecting minority rights? Examples might be requiring a talking filibuster, gradually reducing the cloture threshold, or requiring 41 votes to extend debate instead of 60 to end it.

Issue 2: Concealed Carry Reciprocity

1. Should there be a federal law for concealed carry reciprocity, and would it be a valid use of federal authority?
2. Should federal law mandate states recognize other states’ concealed carry permits, even those from states with no permit requirement or weaker standards? Why or why not?
3. Does a national concealed carry reciprocity law improve or threaten public safety? Why or why not?
4. What are the implications of allowing states to set their own varying standards, and what are the arguments for and against it?
5. How does the current, complex web of reciprocity agreements affect gun owners who travel between states?

RESEARCH LINKS

ARTICLE I, SECTION 6, OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION states: “The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.”

Issue 1: No Congressional Pay
Congress.gov: H.R.1973, “No Pay for Congress During Default or Shutdown Act” 
Straight Arrow News: “Lawmakers Giving Up Paychecks During Shutdown” 
Brookings Institution: “What’s the Legal Basis for Sending Troops to DC Streets?”
Fox News: “GOP Senators Say They’re Open to Deploying National Guard Blue Cities” 
CBS News: “Does Congress Get Paid During a Government Shutdown?”
Democracy Docket: “Does Trump Have the Power to Take Control of American Cities?”

Issue 2: Daylight Saving Time
Congress.gov: S.29, “Sunshine Protection Act of 2025”
American Academy of Sleep Medicine: “Sleep Experts Prescribe Standard Time” 
Coalition for Permanent Standard Time: “Congress Should Put Us on Standard Time” 
National Sleep Foundation: “National Sleep Foundation’s 2025 Sleep in America Poll”
Farmer’s Almanac: “Daylight Saving Time 2025” 
Time and Date: “Your Guide to DST 2025: When Does the Clock Change End?”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: No Congressional Pay

1. Is it fair for lawmakers to receive a paycheck while many federal employees are furloughed or forced to work without pay?
2. Do you think that withholding pay of congress members would be an effective incentive to avoid a government shutdown? Why or why not?
3. 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?
4. 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?
5. Could a “no pay” rule actually encourage more shutdowns? Could a shutdown be used as a political tactic to exert pressure on opponents?

Issue 2: Daylight Saving Time

1. How does “springing forward” and “falling back” affect you personally? Which time zone do you prefer and why?
2. Do you believe there is enough scientific consensus and public support to switch to permanent standard time or permanent daylight saving time, or should the current system continue? Why?
3. How does standard time align with natural human biology, and are there any health risks associated with permanent standard time?
4. What are the potential risks or benefits of permanent daylight saving time on our sleep, mood, and overall wellbeing?
5. Compare and contrast the economic advantages and disadvantages of permanent standard time to permanent daylight saving time. Which is better for the economy overall? Explain your answer.

RESEARCH LINKS

POSSE COMITATUS is a Latin phrase meaning “the power of the county.” Historically, posse comitatus referred to the common-law authority of a county sheriff to deputize any able-bodied civilian to help enforce the law, keep the peace, or capture a criminal.

Issue 1: Troops in U.S. Cities
Brookings Institution: “What’s the President’s Legal Basis for Sending Troops?” 
CNN: “Trump Signs Executive Order to Address Crime In Cities” 
Washington Post: “Pentagon Plans Military Deployment in Chicago” 
House.gov: “Rep. Norton Remarks on ‘No Troops on Our Streets’ Press Conference”
Christian Science Monitor: “Trump Sending National Guard Where Crime Is Highest”
Center for American Progress: “Trump Sending National Guard Where Crime Highest” 

Issue 2: Ticket Transparency
Congress.gov: H.R.1402 “TICKET Act”
Government Accountability Office: “Report on Event Ticket Sales” 
National Independent Talent Organization: “NITO Ticket Resale Study”
nivassoc.org: “Fix the Tix Coalition” Website
Federal Trade Commission: “FTC Takes Action Against Ticket Resellers Illegal Tactics”
Variety: “NITO’s Nathaniel Marro on Solutions for the Corrupt Ticketing Business” 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: Troops in U.S. Cities

1. Do you support or oppose the federal government sending troops into American cities to deter crime? Why or why not?
2. 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?
3. What role does the media play in shaping public perception of unrest and the necessity of federal intervention?
4. What ethical dilemmas might military personnel face when ordered to act as domestic law enforcement in U.S. cities?
5. 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?

Issue 2: Ticket Transparency

1. Do you support or oppose congress passing the “TICKET Act” to require sellers to disclose to consumers the total price for event tickets? Why or why not?
2. Have you ever experienced frustration when attempting to buy event tickets? If so, do you think this bill might help streamline the process for consumers? Why or why not?
3. How does seeing the total, “all-in” ticket price from the start change consumer behavior? Does it empower buyers to comparison shop more effectively, or do they still focus on the base price?
4. How do provisions like the ban on deceptive websites and speculative tickets protect consumers? Do they go far enough, or do gaps remain, such as the “concierge service” loophole?
5. The “TICKET Act” would ban speculative ticketing but allow an exception for sellers offering “concierge services” to obtain tickets on behalf of a consumer. How should regulators and consumers evaluate whether a seller is legitimately offering a service versus engaging in a deceptive practice?

RESEARCH LINKS

THE ‘KIDS ONLINE SAFETY ACT,’ or KOSA, would create “duty of care” requirements for tech companies to prevent and mitigate specific harms to minors, including promotion of suicide, eating disorders, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, and advertisements for certain products (e.g. tobacco and alcohol).

Issue One: Kids Online Safety Act

Congress.gov: S.1748, “Kids Online Safety Act” (KOSA) 
Senate.gov: “Kids Online Safety Act” Fact Sheet 
Heritage Foundation: “Don’t Let Empty Objections Stop the Kids Online Safety Act” 
Time Magazine: “What to Know About the Kids Online Safety Act and Where It Stands” 
Electronic Frontier Foundation: “KOSA Will Make the Internet Worse for Everyone” 
Tech Policy Press: “How KOSA Has Evolved as Negotiations Ensue” 

Issue Two: Stop Illegal Entry Act

Congress.gov: H.R.3486, the “Stop Illegal Entry Act” 
House.gov: “Rep. Bice, Sen. Cruz, & Colleagues Introduce Stop Illegal Reentry Act”
House.gov: “The Cost of Illegal Immigration to Taxpayers” 
National Immigrant Justice Center: “Stop Illegal Entry Act Explainer” 
The Hill: “Kate Steinle’s Father: We Didn’t Coin ‘Kate’s Law’”
Center Square: “Republicans Introduce Bills to Increase Penalties for Illegal Crossings” 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue One: Kids Online Safety Act

1. 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)?
2. 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?
3. 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?
4. If you were a member of congress, what changes (if any) would you make to the KOSA bill? Why?
5. How have social media and online platforms affected you, your family, and/or friends? Lawmakers listen to personal testimonies and stories.

Issue Two: Stop Illegal Entry Act

1. The United States shares 7,500 miles of land border with Canada and Mexico, as well as rivers, lakes, and coastal waters along both borders. What are some possible solutions to the challenges of immigration and border security in the U.S.?
2. Should states be allowed to implement their own immigration policies, or should immigration enforcement remain a federal responsibility? Explain why.
3. Is the “Stop Illegal Entry Act” the best policy solution to the problem, or are there alternative approaches to addressing illegal entry and immigration? If so, what might those be?
4. How do you think the news media portrays immigration issues in the U.S.? What is the impact of that portrayal?
5. How are business owners and the economy affected by current immigration policies, particularly in sectors reliant on immigrant labor? 

RESEARCH LINKS

THE PUSH TO RAISE THE FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE comes up nearly every year in congress—with Democrats typically for it and Republicans against it.

Issue 1: Minimum Wage

House.gov: “Raise the Wage Act of 2025” Bill Text
Economic Policy Institute: “Impact of the Raise the Wage Act of 2025”
Heritage Foundation: “Increasing the Minimum Wage Comes at Too High a Price”
National Employment Law Project: “Why Every Job Should Pay a Living Wage”
Wharton/University of PA: “Why Raising the Minimum Wage Has Long-term Costs”
Investopedia.com: “What Are the Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage?”

Issue 2: Voter Registration (SAVE Act)

Congress.gov: H.R.22 “The SAVE Act”
House.gov: “Rep. Roy Introduces Bill to Protect the Integrity of American Elections”
Center for American Progress: “The SAVE Act Would Disenfranchise Citizens”
House.gov: “SAVE Act Fact Sheet”
National Education Association: “NEA Urges House to Vote No on the SAVE Act”
National Conference of State Legislatures: “9 Things to Know About the SAVE Act”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: Minimum Wage

1. Would an increase in the minimum wage boost consumer spending and economic growth? Why or why not?
2. What are the potential negative effects of raising the federal minimum wage? Examples might include inflation, price increases, and/or jobs loss or reduced hours. Would any negative effects outweigh the positives? Why or why not?
3. Imagine you are a business owner who employs workers at the current minimum wage. How might you respond to a minimum wage increase? Would you raise prices, reduce staff, or find ways to increase efficiency?
4. What are the potential social benefits of raising the minimum wage, such as reduced poverty and crime?
5. Is the minimum wage best addressed on a national or state level, and why?

Issue 2: Voter Registration (SAVE Act)

1. If passed, the SAVE Act would require American citizens to produce documents like a passport or birth certificate to register to vote. Do you feel this measure would strengthen or weaken Americans’ voting rights? Why?
2. Opponents of the SAVE Act say it is an example of congress using its authority to create needless obstacles for voters. Do you agree? Why or why not?
3. The SAVE Act would upend Americans’ access to mail-in and online voter registration. How might this measure negatively impact people who live in rural areas?
4. Proponents of the SAVE Act say it will preserve and strengthen the “integrity and sanctity” of U.S. elections. Do you agree? Why or why not?
5. Should ballot access and voting rights be a partisan issue? Why or why not?

THE ‘KIDS OFF SOCIAL MEDIA ACT’ (KOSMA) seeks to address concerns about social media and youth mental health. But does it offer an effective solution to the problem?

RESEARCH LINKS

Issue 1: Official Language
WhiteHouse.gov: Executive Order, “Designating English as Official Language”
U.S. Census Bureau: “Most Americans Speak Only English at Home”
Linguistic Society of America: “Statement Against English as Official Language”
Cato Institute: “Immigrants Learn English: Language Acquisition Rates by Country”
Close Up Foundation: “Should the U.S. Designate an Official Language?”
Heritage Foundation: “The Need for Upholding Our National Language”

Issue 2: Kids Off Social Media Act
Congress.gov: S.278, “Kids Off Social Media Act”
The Lancet: “School Phone Policies and Their Association with Wellbeing Study”
The Verge: “Another Bill Wants to Ban Kids from Social Media”
Politico: “Bill Banning Social Media for Youngsters Advances”
OpEd: “Social Media is a Major Cause of the Mental Illness Epidemic in Teen Girls”
EdWeek Market Brief: “Fate of Far-Reaching Social Media Regulations Is Uncertain”
ITIF.org: “The Kids Off Social Media Act Misses the Mark on Children’s Online Safety”
Experian Blog: “What Is Child Identity Theft?”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: Official Language

1. Do you think that designating English as the official language of the United States encourages immigrants to learn English? Why or why not?
2. Those for making English the official language of the U.S. say that establishing one shared language would foster a stronger sense of national identity and unity. Do you agree? Why or why not?
3. Read the arguments for and against designating English as the official language of the U.S. in the Close Up Foundation article (link above). Where do you stand on the issue? Why? Write a paragraph or two outlining your position and summarize your arguments in bullet points.
4. Does designating one language (namely English) as “official” undermine values such as inclusivity and honoring various cultural heritages? Why or why not?
5. What if there was only one language spoken and written by all people across the globe? Would the world be a better place? Why or why not?

Issue 2: Kids Off Social Media Act

1. The “Kids Off Social Media Act” is intended to help alleviate youth mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicide. Do you think the bill, if passed, would ultimately help children and teens with their mental health? Why or why not?
2. Does the KOSMA bill provide the best solution to problems that may develop when youth use social media? These might include youth depression and suicide, child identity theft (see Experian link above), and other types of youth exploitation. Would you propose another solution? If so, what would that be?
3. What are some of the best and worst things about using social media as a child or teen?
4. How do you feel when you spend a lot of time on social media? Are there times when you wish you could stay off social media altogether? Why or why not?
5. What do you think the social media platforms you use know about you? How do you feel about that?

RESEARCH LINKS

THE BODY OF WATER formerly known as the Gulf of Mexico is now listed on Google Maps as the Gulf of America for U.S. users, Google announced on Feb. 10, 2025.

Issue 1: Gulf of America
Congress.gov: H.R.276, “Gulf of America Act of 2025”
EPA.gov: “EPA Renames Its Gulf Division to Honor the Gulf of America”
WhiteHouse.gov: “Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness”
Google Blog: “Gulf of America Name Change in the United States”
NPR.org: “Who Will Call It the Gulf of America?”
Fox News: “Google Maps, FAA Officially Acknowledge Gulf of America”
Fox News Video: “The View Co-Host on Gulf of America Name Change”

Issue 2: AM Radio
Congress.gov: S.315, “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2025”
Inside Radio: “Radio Industry Applauds Reintroduction Of AM Radio Bill”
wearebroadcasters.com: “82 Million Americans Depend on AM Radio”
National Association of Broadcasters: “Keep AM Radio in Cars Public Safety”
Fox News: “Officials Sound Alarm on Carmakers Dropping AM Radio”
Washington Post: “End of a Love Affair: AM Radio is Being Removed from Cars”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: Gulf of America

1. Watch the Fox News video (link above) where a co-host of The View argues that Gulf of America is a more inclusive name because “America” includes both Mexico and the U.S. Do you agree? Why or why not?
2. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed Trump’s decision to rename the gulf. “For us and for the entire world it will continue to be called the Gulf of Mexico,” she said. Why do you think Mexico opposes renaming the gulf and instead wants to preserve the name as the Gulf of Mexico?
3. Why do the names of geographic entities matter to countries? What do map names symbolize to various nations? (e.g., power, culture, historical significance)
4. Summarize the arguments for and against changing the name from Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. Which position do you agree with and why?
5. How do geographic names strengthen a country’s claims to ownership of a certain place?

Issue 2: AM Radio

1. What are the arguments for and against congress requiring automakers to include AM radio in new vehicles? Decide where you stand on the issue, then see if you can argue the other side’s position.
2. Do you think AM radio will continue to be relevant in the future? Why or why not?
3. Automakers say that cell phones are much better at broadcasting emergency alerts than AM radio. With today’s smartphones, is AM radio still necessary? Why or why not?
4. According to the Nielsen Company, AM radio listeners tend to be older (about one-third of them are over age 65). As a young person, do you think AM radio is still useful? Why or why not?
5. AM radio is free to all drivers of cars that have it. Given this fact, how does AM radio compare to other modes of communication such as cell phone and Wi-Fi reception?

RESEARCH LINKS

BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP is a legal principle under which citizenship is automatically granted to individuals based on place of birth. In the United States, birthright citizenship is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Issue 1: Birthright Citizenship
Heritage Foundation: “A Fundamental Misunderstanding of 14th Amendment”
Constitution Center: “Revisiting the Birthright Citizenship Question”
American Immigration Council: “Birthright Citizenship”
CNN News: “How Trump Is Banking on 18th Century Laws for Citizenship”
PBS News: “What Is Birthright Citizenship and Could Trump End It?”
Reuters: “Biden Says Awful that Trump Seeks to End Birthright Citizenship”

Issue 2: Daylight Saving Time
Congress.gov: S.582, “Sunshine Protection Act”
TimeandDate.com: “What Is Daylight Saving Time?”
AASM Sleep Education: “Daylight Saving Time Resources”
Farmer’s Almanac: “Daylight Saving Time 2025”
National Conference of State Legislatures: “DST State Legislation”
Encyclopedia Britannica: “Daylight Saving Time News”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: Birthright Citizenship

1. After reading the Issue One page of the newsletter, what are your views on the issue of birthright citizenship?
2. Are you for or against ending U.S. birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants? Why? Justify your answers with arguments.
3. Do you feel that undocumented immigrants take advantage of the current U.S. policy on birthright citizenship? Why or why not?
4. Were you aware of the issue before reading these materials? Had you formed an opinion? If so, has your opinion changed? Why or why not?
5. What are the costs of maintaining the current policy on birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. of undocumented immigrants?

Issue 2: Daylight Saving Time

1. Should the United States make daylight saving time permanent year round? Why or why not?
2. Visit https://savestandardtime.com/ and read the arguments for permanent standard time. What are the benefits and drawbacks of the proposal?
3. How does “springing forward” and “falling back” affect you personally? Which time zone do you prefer and why?
4. Why do you think some states opt out of daylight saving time?
5. Compare and contrast the economic advantages and disadvantages of daylight saving time with those of standard time. Is daylight saving time better for the economy overall? Explain your answer.

A ‘SANCTUARY CITY’ is a term for a jurisdiction with a policy or practice that discourages local law enforcement from reporting the immigration status of undocumented immigrants to the federal government.

RESEARCH LINKS

Issue 1: Sanctuary Cities
Congress.gov: H.R.5717, “No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act”
Fox News: “Which Cities, Counties and States are ‘Sanctuary’ Jurisdictions?”
National Conference of State Legislatures: “Navigating Immigration Policy”
National Immigration Forum: “Bill Analysis: No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act”
GlobalRefuge.org: “What Are Sanctuary Cities?”
Fox News: “Blue Cities Rush Dismantle Migrant Shelters as Trump Approaches”

Issue 2: STOP CCP Act
Congress.gov: H.R.3334, “STOP Chinese Communist Party Act”
IssueVoter.org: H.R. 3334 – “STOP CCP Act” For and Against Arguments
WhiteHouse.gov: “Statement of Biden Administration Policy on ‘STOP CCP Act’”
Washington Post: “Trump Set to Deepen Tech Cold War with China”
House Foreign Affairs Committee: “Confronting the China Challenge”
Congressional Budget Office: “STOP CCP Act Cost Estimate”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: Sanctuary Cities

1. After looking at the Fox News article on which locations are sanctuary cities (link above), what do sanctuary cities have in common? Why do some places decide to become sanctuary cities?
2. Do you think city governments should always cooperate with state or federal governments? Why or why not?
3. What is a sanctuary city? Why do people support or oppose sanctuary cities? What is your stance?
4. Is Immigration an issue in your city or state? Why or why not?
5. What rights should illegal immigrants have in our country?

Issue 2: STOP CCP Act

1. Do you think Chinese efforts to surpass American global economic, military, and political power are succeeding or failing? Why or why not?
2. What do people mean when they describe a country as “number one?” How might your life be different if China was the “number one” nation in the world?
3. Does the power of China make you worried in any way? Why or why not?
4. How do you think the new Trump administration will change U.S. economic policy toward China?
5. How might the United States have a less confrontational and more productive relationship with China?

RESEARCH LINKS

Issue 1: 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

ESTABLISHING CONGRESSIONAL TERM LIMITS through a new constitutional amendment is no small task. Since 1787, just 27 amendments have been added to the U.S. Constitution.

Trump Campaign Website: Donald J. Trump on the Issues (full list)
Harris Campaign Website: Kamala Harris on the Issues (full list)
Ballotpedia.org: “Presidential Candidates 2024”
Allsides.com: “Election Resource Center”
270towin.com: “2024 Presidential Election Interactive Map”
ProCon.org: “Presidential Candidates Comparison Chart on the Issues”

Issue 2: Congressional Term Limits
Congress.gov: H.J. Res. 11 – Congressional Term Limits
Constitutioncenter.org: “Why Term Limits for Congress Face Challenging Path”
Heritage Foundation: “Term Limits, the Only Way to Clean Up Congress”
NPR.org: “Term Limits for Congress…Why Experts Say They’d Be a Bad Idea”
U.S. Term Limits: “Why Term Limits?”
Senate.gov: “Sen. Cruz Introduces Constitutional Amendment – Term Limits”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

1. Read the presidential candidates “on the issues” (pp. 2-3 of the newsletter). For an unabridged list, visit each candidate’s campaign website (links above). Which issues are the most important to you personally? Why?
2. After looking at the candidates’ positions on the issues, what do you see as at stake in this election—for yourself, your generation, your community, your country, and the world? Which candidate do you feel is the best choice for our next U.S. president—Trump, Harris, or “other?” Why?
3. When did you first become aware of having political opinions? Who or what do you think shaped them? Did your parents or family members influence you—or was it more your friends, a teacher, or your church that played a crucial role? Have your opinions changed over time? How so?
4. Whether in school, with family and friends, or online, what experiences have you had in talking to people who may not agree with you? What has been helpful? What has been hard? Why do these conversations matter?
5. What are you optimistic about? What might your generation do better than those who came before it?

Issue 2: Congressional Term Limits

1. Should members of congress be subject to term limits? How many terms should they be allowed to run for?
2. Currently, the Constitution requires representatives to be at least 25 years old and senators to be at least 30. Some have suggested imposing a mandatory retirement age for members of Congress or a maximum age of election. Do you agree? Why or why not?
3. The 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the president from serving more than two four-year terms. Does it make sense to have term limits for the executive branch of government (the president and his or her administration) but not for the legislative branch (members of congress)? Why or why not?
4. Summarize the “for” and “against” arguments for setting congressional term limits. Which position do you agree with? Why?
5. Proponents of congressional term limits say longtime members of congress have an “incumbency advantage,” making them practically unbeatable and less likely to listen to their constituents. Do you think the incumbent advantage presents a problem for true representation in congress? Would term limits solve this problem? What other changes might make races more competitive?

RESEARCH LINKS

Issue 1: SNAP Benefits

DIGITAL PRIVACY in the United States has become a hot topic, with consumer rights groups opposing the practices of companies that collect and use consumer data.

Congress.gov: H.R.8467 “Farm, Food, and National Security Act”
The Hill: “A Fight Over SNAP Funding Could Derail the Farm Bill”
Senate Committee on Agriculture: “Reviewing Baseline Nutrition Programs”
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: “House Farm Bill’s SNAP Cut”
Urban Institute: “Food Insecurity on the Rise, SNAP Spending Cuts Dangerous”
Heritage Foundation: “Food Stamp Reforms to Save Taxpayers Billions”

Issue 2: National Privacy Law
Congress.gov: H.R. 8818 “American Privacy Rights Act of 2024”
U.S. Chamber of Commerce: “Letter on the ‘American Privacy Rights Act’”
Electronic Frontier Foundation: “EFF Opposes the American Privacy Rights Act”
IAPP.org: “U.S. State Privacy Legislation Tracker”
StateScoop.com: “American Privacy Rights Act Could Undercut State Privacy”
Tech Policy OpEd: “Big Tech Tried to Kill My State’s Privacy Bill”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: SNAP Benefits

1. In 2023, 33.6 million adults and 13.8 million children lived in food-insecure households, compared to 30.8 million adults and 13.4 million children in 2022. Why do you think “food insecurity” is on the rise in the U.S.? Hint: Read the Urban Institute article (link above) for insight on the term “food insecurity.”
2. Is the SNAP or food stamps program the best solution to poverty in the U.S.? Why or why not?
3. Individuals who receive SNAP benefits must shop, cook, and eat on a budget of $4.40 a day. If you had to make a grocery list within the limits of this SNAP budget, on which foods would you spend the money? Why?
4. Some lawmakers believe welfare programs like SNAP create a “culture of dependency.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
5. What are the potential consequences for families banned from food stamps due to past drug convictions?

Issue 2: National Privacy Law

1. 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?
2. Read the Tech Policy opinion piece by Vermont State Representative Monique Priestley (link above). Are you surprised by her stance? Why or why not?
3. 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?
4. 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?
5. 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?

RESEARCH LINKS

VOTER ELIGIBILITY is governed by the U.S. Constitution as well as federal and state laws. To vote in a presidential election, you must be 18 years old and a United States citizen. Each state has its own requirements.

Issue 1: SAVE Act (Voter Eligibility)
Congress.gov: H.R.8281, “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act” or “SAVE Act”
House.gov: SAVE Act One-Pager – Republican (Rep. Chip Roy)
House.gov: SAVE Act One-Pager – Democrat (Rep. Joseph Morelle)
Bipartisan Policy Center: “Five Things to Know About the SAVE Act”
Heritage Foundation: “Vote ‘Yes’ on the SAVE Act”
League of Women Voters: “Urge Your Members of Congress to Oppose the SAVE Act”

Issue 2: Supreme Court Term Limits
WaPo OpEd: President Joe Biden – “My Plan to Reform the Supreme Court”
Heritage Foundation: “Biden’s Attempt to Control Supreme Court Is Unconstitutional”
PBS.org: “Biden Calls for Supreme Court Term Limits as Part of Reform Plan”
CBS News: “Biden Proposes Major Supreme Court Reforms as Controversy Swirls”
FixtheCourt.com: “Term Limits”
BrennanCenter.org: “Supreme Court Term Limits”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Issue 1: SAVE Act (Voter Eligibility)

1. Should Congress pass the SAVE Act to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote? Why or why not?
2. Do those with the right to vote have more power than those without? Why or why not?
3. Why are so many people apathetic when it comes to voting? What happens (or could happen) when people do not vote?
4. Do you think it makes sense to be 18 and not exercise your right to vote? Why or why not?
5. What issues would bring more young people to the polls to vote, if included on ballots?

Issue 2: Supreme Court Term Limits

1. Would Supreme Court term limits contradict Article III of the U.S. Constitution, which states justices shall “hold their Offices during good Behavior?” Why or why not?
2. If term limits are good for the executive and legislative branches of government, might term limits also be good for the judicial branch? Why or why not?
3. Critics of Supreme Court term limits say it is an effort to grab the power Democrats have lost. Do you agree? Why or why not?
4. Since the drafting of the Constitution, the legislative and executive branches of government have become more democratized. For example, senators are elected directly by voters in the states they represent. Should the judiciary undergo similar reform? Why or why not?
5. Could changing the current structure of the judicial branch have no effect, or the opposite intended? Why or why not?