Issue Project - Sunny Hills High School

Issue A point of debate or controversy
Issue Project
American Government
Mr. Del Crognale
Purpose In a democracy, the people have the right to express themselves. In this project
you will explore the different views that people have on an issue. The more you
understand different viewpoints the more you will be able to formulate your
opinion.
Due Date ___________________________________
Outcomes At the end of this activity, students will be able to:
Research print & internet sources
Organize information in a logical sequence
Use Power Point or
Make pamphlet
Answer questions about their issue
Process
Research your topic using books, periodicals, and internet sources
Write an annotated bibliography
a. Typed
b. MLA style
c. 3 of your sources must come from 2 of the following: periodicals,
books, professional journals or website. No encyclopedias
d. Description of your source – 30-50 words long
Present your information orally. Need to have a Power Point presentation
that includes text and any of the following: pictures, graphs, and tables.
NO more than 15 words per slide are permitted.
Presentation should include: background information and arguments for
(yes) and arguments against (no).
Make a 5-10 minute presentation
Answer questions from the teacher & students
Grade 75 points
Content = 10 pts.
Both views expressed = 10 pts.
Visual = 10 pts.
Eye contact “no reading” = 10 pts.
Posture = 5 pts.
Voice = 5 pts.
Time = 5 pts.
Participation = 5 pts.
Ability to answer questions = 5 pts.
Bibliography = 10 pts.
OR

Make a pamphlet using 8 1/2 x 11 paper
1 st page – Title Page
2 nd & 3 rd page – Include background information
4 th & 5 th page – Arguments for and against
6 th & 7 th page – Annotated bibliography
Use color, graphics and pictures
Grade 75 points
Overall appearance = 15 pts
Spelling & grammar = 10 pts.
Background information = 20 pts.
Both views expressed = 20 pts.
Bibliography = 10 pts.

Topics, Questions, and Dates
Topic and Question Date
1. Death Penalty: Should the death penalty be abolished?
2. National Unity: Would the adoption of English as the official language of
the United States strengthen national unity?
3. Global Warming: Is human-made global warming a proven environmental
threat?
4. Mass Media: Does the mass media have a liberal bias?
5. Term Limits: Should the number of Congressional terms be limited?
6. “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”: Should Congress pass legislation repealing “don’t ask, don’t tell”?
7. Electoral College: Should the Electoral College be abolished?
8. Gun Control: Will gun control reduce violence?
9. Drugs: Should marijuana be decriminalized?
10. School Prayer: Should a school prayer amendment be adopted?
11. Testing Student Athletes: Should schools test student athletes for performanceenhancing
drugs??
12. Abortion: Should abortion be illegal?
13. Gay Marriage: Should there be an amendment to the Constitution making a marriage only
between a man and a woman?
14. Immigration: Should the government impose stricter laws against illegal immigrants?
15. Health Care: Should the U.S. adopt a universal health care system?
16. War: Should the U.S. pull out of Afghanistan?
17. Euthanasia: Should physician assisted suicide be legalized?
18. U.S. Embargo of Cuba: Should the U.S. end the embargo of Cuba?
19. Drinking Age: Should the U.S. lower the drinking age to 18 yrs.?