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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
Teacher Spotlight – Jack Reavis (Muskogee, OK)
As a descendant of Native American heritage, veteran social studies teacher Jack Reavis remembers how his great-grandmother and mother spoke the Cherokee language.
“My view of culture and respect for the Mother Earth and all humanity come from these two women,” says Reavis, who honors his past by practicing Cherokee culture and beliefs in the present. “The Cherokee have always stressed the importance of education.”
Links and Discussion Questions March 2025 – Teacher Ideas
Issue 1: Gulf of America
- 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?
- 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?
- Why do the names of geographic entities matter to countries? What do map names symbolize to various nations? (e.g., power, culture, historical significance)
- 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?
- How do geographic names strengthen a country’s claims to ownership of a certain place?
Student Forum Newsletter March 2025
President Orders Treasury to Stop Minting Pennies
ON FEB. 9, President Donald J. Trump said that he had asked the U.S. Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies due to their cost of production.
“For far too long, the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “This is so wasteful!”
His remarks revived a debate over whether to get rid of the smallest denomination of U.S. currency.
Teacher Spotlight on Will Linser (Bellevue, WA)
Located just east of Seattle, Bellevue, Washington, is home to some of the world’s largest technology companies. Amazon was founded in Bellevue by Jeff Bezos in 1994, and today the city hosts satellite offices for eBay, Meta, ByteDance, Oracle, Salesforce, Google, and Microsoft, to name a few.
Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, that Will Linser—who teaches AP U.S. Government and U.S. History at Bellevue High School—says that technology has changed how we teach significantly.
Student Forum Newsletter February 2025
President Trump Launches DOGE to Cut Government Spending
AS PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP transitions into his second term, he is preparing to launch the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to slash government spending and reduce regulations. The committee is spearheaded by Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk and tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.
Links + Discussion Questions February 2025
Issue 1: Birthright Citizenship
- After reading the Issue One page of the newsletter, what are your views on the issue of birthright citizenship?
- Are you for or against ending U.S. birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants? Why? Justify your answers with arguments.
- Do you feel that undocumented immigrants take advantage of the current U.S. policy on birthright citizenship? Why or why not?
- 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?
- What are the costs of maintaining the current policy on birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. of undocumented immigrants?