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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
Ideas for Teachers for September 2023
Issue 1: Supreme Court Term Limits
- Would Supreme Court term limits contradict Article III of the U.S. Constitution, which states justices shall “hold their Offices during good Behaviour?” Why or why not?
- Critics of Supreme Court term limits say it is an effort to grab the power Democrats have lost. How do you respond?
- 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?
- Would term limits create a situation where justices are incentivized to rule in their self-interest during the final portion of their term to be more appealing to future employers? Why or why not?
- Opponents of Supreme Court term limits say unlimited judicial terms serve the goal of distancing the high court from political manipulation. Do you agree? Why or why not?
SGAP Newsletter for September 2023 (Supreme Court Term Limits + Welfare Drug Testing)
In June, the Supreme Court issued some of the biggest decisions of its term, including curtailing affirmative action in college admissions; rejecting President Biden’s plan to cancel or reduce federal student loan debts; and dismissing the “independent state legislature” theory, which would have given states greater power
over federal elections.
Presidential Election Demographics in the 21st Century Infographic
What demographic changes are transforming U.S. presidential elections in the 21st century? Let’s look at how the voting electorate has changed for the 2000-2020 presidential elections.
Powers of the President and Executive Orders Infographic 2023
The three branches of government have checks and balances to distribute power or control equally.
EXECUTIVE BRANCH: Carries out laws | President, Vice President, and President’s Cabinet | 15 executive departments.
EXECUTIVE ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT: Executive Orders are directives by the President that
manage the operations of the federal government. Article Two of the U.S. Constitution gives Presidents
broad executive and enforcement authority to enforce the law and manage the executive branch.
Divided Politics in America 2023 Infographic
DIVIDED POLITICS IN AMERICA
2020 Election & Polarization of American Politics
The 2020 election between Donald Trump (R) and Joe Biden (D) was one of the most polarizing in modern history. Many people were divided on the issues and felt compelled to go to the polls. And while negative feelings towards the other party are nothing new, the growing contempt that both Republicans and Democrats have for the opposing party has grown broader and deeper than in the past.
Immigration Nation: The History of Immigration Infographic 2023
America has a rich tradition of immigration. This chart represents immigrants as a percentage of the U.S. population through history. Let’s take a look at the trends, major influxes, and pivotal decisions that helped shape our country’s demographics.