Current Societal Issues PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT JOHNSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL MR. COX.

Current Societal IssuesPARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENTJOHNSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL MR. COX

The Issues – Worker’s Rights

Democrats/Liberals Generally Believe Favor labor unions

and workers rights Includes right to organize free

from harassment and the right to challenge employers for disability and discrimination cases.

Support worker movements to increase the minimum wage and worker benefits

Republicans/Conservatives Generally Believe

Favor the rights of businesses to maximize profits

Favors workers and management working together to do what is in the best of all involved; no outside influences (against Labor Unions)

Believes Labor Unions restrict production of businesses; sees it as a regulation of business

The Issues – Gun ControlDemocrats/Liberals Generally Believe Strong advocates for

gun control Supported both the

Brady Bill and the Assault Weapons Ban


Favors allowing the sale of firearms to proceed more easily, and with fewer safety precautions

Opposes any new gun-control laws

Fought the regulation and banning of assault weapons

The Issues – Gay RightsDemocrats/Liberals Generally Believe Should be protected from

workplace discrimination and hate crimes

Should be given equal work benefits like more traditional families

Largely oppose President Bush’s proposal to ban gay marriage through a Constitutional Amendment


Against giving gays equal rights in the eyes of the law

“We do not believe sexual preference should be given special legal protection or standing in law”

Oppose idea of gay marriage; seek to define marriage as union between man and woman

Supports amendment to the Constitution defining marriage

The Issues – Healthcare Democrats/Liberals Generally Believe Push for more Heath

Care funding (Medicare, Children’s Health Insurance Program)

In favor of program to ensure all Americans have quality, affordable health care. (100% government funded)


Believes health care should work within the free market system where competition will lower the costs of healthcare (no federal govt. involvement)

The Issues – Foreign Policy

Democrats/Liberals Generally Believe Generally much more

supportive of international agencies than are Republicans – support NATO and the UN

More skeptical of the Bush Administration’s rush to war than were the Republicans

Very skeptical of the handling of the reconstruction of Iraq


Have brushed aside international organizations in favor of unilateral policy of preemption

Bush Doctrine supports preemptive invasion when necessary to protect the security of the U.S.

Argue that the use of American military force is essential for keeping the world safe for Democracy

The Issues - EnvironmentDemocrats/Liberals Generally Believe Support stronger

environmental laws and protection of nature

Push for cleaner air and water Support funding for

preservation (Everglades in FL; Redwoods in CA, etc…)


Favor the exploration of all resources in the U.S. for energy production and have generally opposed looking for more environment-friendly power alternatives

Pushed for oil drilling in ANWR, the building of more nuclear power plants, a shift towards the use of coal, and have submitted proposals that would weaken the Clean Air Act

The Issues - EducationDemocrats/Liberals Generally Believe More funding for

struggling schools is necessary

Highly critical of No Child Left Behind, which has been under funded

Tax money should not be used on religious schools


Support both the “No Child Left Behind” program and the school vouchers

Favor school vouchers because they think that by giving students more educational options, including religious schooling, a competitive market will be created Argue public schools will be

forced to improve in order to retain students

The Issues – Social Security

Democrats/Liberals Generally Believe Fundamental right

of Americans Best way to protect

is to maintain federal government control

Largely oppose privatizing


Favor privatization of social security Citizens will be able to opt

to place portions of money that would have gone into Social Security into other types of accounts.

Accounts will give the opportunity to play the stock market in an attempt to increase returns. (takes away Federal responsibility

The Issues - WelfareDemocrats/Liberals Generally Believe

Support increased child care for welfare recipients so they are more able to work steady jobs

Support funding for job training so recipients will be more competitive in the job market


Favors increasing the mandatory work week for those receiving government assistance

Support cuts in child care and training funding while pushing $200 million for marriage education

Pushing for more funding for religious organizations and charities, which then will be responsible to caring for our nation’s poor

The Issues - Abortion Democrats/Liberals Generally Believe Pro Choice

Favors contraceptive education to prevent necessity of abortion

Have tried several times to pass statutes that would allow prosecution of acts that harm fetuses


Pro-life; Anti-Choice Prefers funding go towards

marriage education and abstinence only campaigns

Have tried several times to pass statutes that would allow prosecution of acts that harm fetuses

Assignment

1. Using the issues addressed in class as a baseline, write a summary of your personal beliefs regarding these issues.

2. Research three issues not mentioned in class. You will write a second response summarizing your beliefs regarding these three new issues as well.

3. Finally, select three issues from the 12 total and write a third response indicating the reasons for why you hold these beliefs. Was it your upbringing? Your parents? Geography? Media? An experience?

Potential Issues to Research

Immigration Women’s Rights Transgender Rights Domestic Violence Marijuana Legalization Iran North Korea Nuclear Arms Global Warming Oil Renewable Energy Taxation

Current Societal Issues PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT JOHNSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL MR. COX.

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