Flag Code (Graduation Requirement)

US Constitution (Graduation Requirement)

Illinois Constitution (Graduation Requirement)

Tests

Verbal Quizzes

Worksheets

Political Debate (topic of students choice)

Current Events

Research Paper

Branches of the Federal Government

Develop ability to do research for a classroom debate over a current controversial issue facing American society and promote independent research for an argumentative paper. Furthermore, discuss the current issues facing America/World by using the nightly news as a learning tool. Understand the role and significance of each branch of the Federal Government.

ISSUES FOR THE DEBATE (in previous years)

1. PRO-LIFE OR PRO-CHOICE: WHAT SHOULD BE DONE ON THE ISSUE OF ABORTION IN THE U.S.?

2. SHOULD THE U.S. ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY?

3. IS AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STILL NECESSARY TO LEVEL THE PLAYING IN THE U.S. OR IS IT NO LONGER NEEDED?

4. IS TITLE IX DISCRIMINATORY AGAINST MEN OR IS IT NECESSARY TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD FOR WOMEN?

5. SHOULD HOMOSEXUALS BE ALLOWED TO MARRY IN THE U.S.?

6. SHOULD THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FUND STEM CELL RESEARCH?

7. IS CLONING A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN SCIENCE OR A MAJOR BREAKDOWN IN MORAL LAW?

8. SHOULD PERFORMANCE ENHANCING DRUGS BE ACCEPTABLE IN THE SPORTS WORLD OR SHOULD THEY BE BANNED IN THE WORLD OF ATHLETICS?

9. SHOULD RADIO/TV BROADCASTERS BE PERMITTED TO USE THEIR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS OR HAVE THEY GONE TOO FAR AND GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IS NECESSARY?

10. IS THE TORTURING OF SUSPECTED TERRORISTS TO OBTAIN INFORMATION VITAL TO THE SECURITY OF THE U.S. OR IS IT A CLEAR VIOLATION OF A SUSPECT’S CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS?

11. SHOULD FLAG-BURNING BE PROTECTED UNDER THE FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE U.S. CONSTITUTION OR SHOULD AN AMENDMENT BE CREATED TO OUTLAW THE DESTRUCTION OF THE FLAG?

12. SHOULD MINORITIES BE ALLOWED IN EXCLUSIVE CLUBS, SUCH AS AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB, OR DO CLUBS HAVE THE RIGHT TO DENY ENTRY TO MINORITIES?

13. IS THE N.R.A. A STAUNCH DEFENDER OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT OR A MENACE TO PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE U.S.?

14. SHOULD THERE BE OIL EXPLORATION IN THE ALASKAN WILDERNESS?

15. SHOULD ENGLISH BECOME THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE IN THE U.S.?

16. SHOULD COMPANIES THAT HIRE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND LANDLORDS THAT HOUSE THEM BE PUNISHED FOR THEIR ACTIONS OF AIDING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION IN THE U.S.?

17. IS THE PATROIT ACT AND OTHER “INTRUSIVE” LAWS NECESSARY TO HELP PREVENT ANOTHER TERRORIST ATTACK IN THE U.S. OR ARE THESE LAWS A BLATANT ATTACK ON THE U.S. CONSTITUTION AND THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE?

18. SHOULD FAST FOOD CHAINS AND OTHER SUCH COMPANIES BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE IN A COURT OF LAW FOR AIDING IN AMERICA’S GROWING OBESITY EPIDEMIC OR IS IT A MATTER OF PERSONAL SELF CONTROL?

19. EUTHANASIA-SHOULD DOCTOR ASSISTED SUCIDE BE LEGALIZED IN THE U.S. OR IS IT AN IMMORAL ACT?

20. IS THE ILLINOIS “NO SMOKING” LAW A BENEFIT TO SOCIETY OR DOES IT INFRINGE ON AN AMERICAN’S FREEDOM OF CHOICE?

2008 Research paper topic:

THREE TRAITS THAT THE NEXT PRESIDENT SHOULD EXHIBIT..

Current Events

Debate

News Presentations

Research Paper

Semester Exams

Tests

Verbal Quizzes

Worksheets